⚡ Summary & Highlights Of TLC Hearing On NEW EV Plates
We summarize and highlight key moments during yesterday's NYC TLC Commission hearing focused on a proposal to issue new electric vehicle (EV)-only FHV Licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates)
While many drivers, bases and fleets were expecting more specifics on the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission’s proposal to release up to 1,000 NEW electric vehicle (EV)-only FHV Licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates), yesterday’s TLC hearing proved to be more of a feedback gathering exercise. NYC TLC Chair & Commissioner David Do implied that more details on a potential NEW EV-only TLC plate release and how to apply, would be released ahead of a 📅 Wednesday, January 25th Commission vote.
Although no specifics were revealed, a lot of interesting testimony and insight were given during the hearing. We’ll cover certain subjects in more detail, but below are our top highlights of yesterday’s TLC Commission meeting.
🗣️ Highlights
⭐ Clarification On EV Plate Application Process ⭐
TLC Chair Do implied that drivers (& others) should expect to hear more specifics about the proposal to release new EV-only TLC Plates ahead of a full NYC TLC Commission vote later on this month. (Wednesday, January 25th to be specific) Do, earlier in the hearing, also continued to stress that drivers SHOULD NOT purchase any electric vehicles until specific plans are published. (Clip starts at 01:00:00 in full video)
⭐ Leasing Companies ⭐
During yesterday's hearing, several drivers mentioned overcharges and abuse by TLC vehicle leasing companies. We thought TLC driver Rigzin Wangdue Gurung’s testimony expressed this point of view well. He also asked for the application process for any new EV-only TLC plates to be very clear and transparent.
We’ll cover leasing companies more in future content, as they were brought up by several drivers during the hearing. (Clip starts at 00:52:00 in full video)
⭐ FHV Lease Caps⭐
New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) President Bhairavi Desai mentions several important points during her testimony. Reminding the Commission of the background and importance of the FHV License Pause (a/k/a TLC Plate Cap). We thought her suggestion around subjecting TLC vehicle leasing companies to similar lease cap rules as the yellow taxi medallion sector, was particularly notable (although the numbers quoted didn’t seem to accurately reflect medallion lease cap rates). (Clip starts at 01:08:00 in full video)
⭐ No Favoritism⭐
Small business owner [Shaunette] Wilson, who describes herself as owning & running a niche TLC vehicle leasing company focused on EVs, stressed that larger companies like Revel (or anyone else) shouldn’t be given an unfair advantage in acquiring any new EV-only TLC Plates.
She stressed that the TLC should run a fair and transparent process. (Clip starts at 01:25:00 in full video)
⭐ Convert Existing Fleet To Electric Vehicles Vs. Issuing New FHV Licenses ⭐
General Counsel to the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade (and former NYC TLC General Counsel) Peter Mazer questioned the issuance of new TLC Plates vs. programs focused on electrifying the existing NYC TLC fleet. He also overviews some EV adoption hurdles for the TLC industry. (Clip starts at 00:16:10 in full video)
Hello, wanna join to get a TLC plate, do you know where I can submit form ??
Can you share when the form is ready to apply please?