On Feb. 10, NYC’s Committee of Transportation & Infrastructure held a hearing on the status of the Yellow Cab Industry. The following legislation was introduced:
Int 0193-2024: This bill would require all taxis and for-hire vehicles to prominently display a sign on all passenger doors warning them to look for cyclists before opening the door.
Int 0373-2024: This bill would permit taxicab owners, whose vehicles are not scheduled to be converted to wheelchair accessible vehicles at the next retirement date, to apply to the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) for a vehicle retirement extension of 12 months during the Disaster Emergency issued by New York State in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Int 0676-2024: This bill would require TLC to study the costs, challenges and opportunities related to increasing the use of electric for-hire vehicles and installing new charging infrastructure. TLC is expected to report on the findings – including recommendations for incentive programs for using electric for-hire vehicles.
Int 1050-2024: This bill would prohibit the TLC from requiring its licensees to have personal injury protection (PIP, also known as no-fault) liability coverage in an amount greater than the amount required by state law.
The following legislation was resolved:
Res 0080-2024: This bill will create a surcharge for for-hire vehicles (FHVs) that would go towards funding the expansion of wheelchair accessible and electric FHVs.
TLC Chair David Do testified at the hearing that yellow cab trips are at about 55% of pre-pandemic levels, but increasing steadily. He also noted that yellow cab trips were decreasing before the pandemic, and that they are making more money than in 2019. TLC does not support Int 0193-2024, insisting the Council investigate the language to find a way to make it more economically viable. TLC also does not support Int 0373-2024, arguing that much of Int 0676-2024 is being addressed, saying the goals are already being surpassed. TLC supports the intention of reducing coverage in Int 1050-2024 but doesn’t believe the language is clear enough to ensure it would benefit drivers and needs further discussion.
Source: New York Black Car Fund
