🔐 TLC Hearing Highlights: *NEW* TLC Plate Storage Program
New Short-Term FHV License (TLC Plate) Storage Program could be rolled out in early November. NYTWA asks for 240 days vs. 60 days, base owner rails against end of current program
Pandemic era TLC Plate Storage Program ends Aug 31st
Proposed short-term TLC Plate Storage Program allows license holders 60 days of storage, once every 2 year license period
If passed, new storge program will begin in November
NYTWA would like 240 days vs. 60 days. Public testimony by base owner implies some smaller bases are at real risk of permanently losing company controlled TLC Plates
The TLC held a hearing, yesterday at 10am, discussing a proposed short-term TLC Plate Storage Program. As we covered recently, the launch of a new storage program, DOES NOT overlap with the pre-existing FHV License Storage Program ending on August 31st.
TLC’s newly proposed rule would establish a *new*, short-term storage program for For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) Licenses (TLC Plates) called the “Short-Term FHV License Storage Program”. This new program will permit TLC-plated vehicles to be put in storage ONCE during every 2-year license term, for up to 60 days.
Public Hearing Highlights
The hearing, including public testimony, lasted only about 15 minutes 👀. Below, we share three video highlights that capture the TLC’s official proposal and two viewpoints we found noteworthy.
TLC’s Official Proposal
Alison Hartwell, an Assistant Commissioner in TLC’s Licensing and Standards Division, shares the official overview of the proposed Short-Term FHV License Storage Program.
NYTWA Proposed Amendments
Alli Langley, a staff attorney at New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA), supports the creation of a new TLC Plate Storage Program, but believes the program should be extended to 120 days per year or 240 days per 2 year license period versus the 60 days currently proposed. The NYTWA attorney cites the increased cost of international travel and supply chain issues impacting the automotive parts & repair industry.
Other interesting points mentioned during this testimony include specific provisions for extended illness and the application / enforcement of the 60 day non-use summons, which could result in a driver or fleet permanently losing their TLC Plates.
Base Owner (Fortune Limo) Might Be Nervous About Losing TLC Plates
The below testimony by Robert [Siegal] of Fortune Limo is important to note. Firstly, to be fair to the TLC, the official end date of the pandemic era storage program has been communicated well in advance (over 9 months ago) and repeatedly. So, this is not a surprise. However, what we think his testimony shows is many smaller bases are continuing to have existential business issues.
Our guess is Mr. [Siegal], along with other base owners, don’t see it as a financially possible or viable option to purchase new vehicles to get their company-owned fleet TLC Plates out of storage. Following that logic, if these bases permanently lose their FHV Licenses, their business model has to change completely. We covered this topic last month in ⌛ As TLC Plate Storage Ends, Scramble To Keep FHV Licenses Active.
To access the full TLC hearing recording of the hearing, click here.
As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or by emailing us at info@automarketplace.com.
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I understand Fortune Limo’s POV however there are plenty of independent drivers that are renting, have the economic means to purchase a vehicle, and are willing to take a chance in the unfavorable business environment that the Fortune Limo’s representative spoke about. How much longer does this base need while there are drivers who are willing to actually acquire a standard vehicle license (as opposed to WAV or the ever elusive electric) and have more freedom?