Vision Zero and Fitness Revocation Hearings

Online comments: 47

• David Greenblatt

  Wonderful idea, I fully support this.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 11:52am

• Kevin Burns

  I support this! We see countless sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, car lanes blocked, and blocking the box by these cars over and over! Financial penalty will hopefully prevent this.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 1:38pm

• Austin Schnitzer

  I strongly support these new rules. Around my home and workplace in midtown illegal parking/blocking crosswalks is rampant and TLC vehicles are all too often responsible. These new rules are needed to help achieve vision zero and make our streets safer for all road users.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 2:33pm

• Ian Hooley

  I strongly support this proposed measure as a key step towards making vision zero a reality.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 4:40pm

• Alan Mukamal

  I support these changes that I would expect to increase safety and decrease crashes. Thank you

  Comment added February 26, 2025 6:39pm

• Luke Szabados

  Yes please enact these. We need more accountability for tlc drivers who park in crosswalks

  Comment added February 26, 2025 8:03pm

• Adam Asher

  I am fully in support of the proposed rule change. Too many vehicles are blocking bike lanes, crosswalks, and otherwise making the streets unsafe for the public.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 9:05pm

• Sandy Wilson

  I support increasing penalties for “ stationary and non-hazardous moving violations.” As someone who relies on access to bike lanes to get around, the amount of TLC vehicles parked in the bike lanes is out of control. I report as many of the vehicles as I can, and while I feel bad for the difficult situation these drivers are put in when picking up and discharging passengers, the safety of those who rely on the bike lanes should never be compromised. It seems the only way these drivers are going to understand the gravity of their dangerous actions is to increase the penalties for these violations.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 10:26pm

• Jehiah Czebotar

  I support the changes to §80-13(a)(1) and §80-13(a)(2) – the number of repeat violators indicates that the initial fine isn’t a sufficient deterrent in all cases so escalating fines are appropriate, as is a required education class.

  The 15 month lookback for repeat violations should be increased to 24 months because sometimes due to OATH delays and rescheduling it takes up to a 12 months for a fine to be adjudicated, and un-adjudicated fines can not count towards the repeat violation count.

  Additionally, to further vision zero goals a new hazardous moving violation 8-13(a)(3)(xvi) should be added for driving in a “bike path” (as defined in VTL 102-b – distinct from a “bike lane”). This would better address hazardous violations by drivers using protected bike lanes – distinct from the moving violation of driving in what DOT refers to as a “conventional bike lane”.

  Comment added February 26, 2025 10:51pm

• Jeff Schwane

  I agree with the proposed rules. TLC vehicles need to be held more accountable for how their interactions with the street affect the public.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 6:32am

• Daphne Eviatar

  I fully support this. I see so many illegally parked TLC vehicles in bike lanes and blocking streets, which creates extremely dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. If the city takes Vision Zero seriously, it needs to crack down on the drivers creating these hazards.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 8:11am

• McLean Cozine

  I absolutely support these changes as a meaningful step toward making our roads safer and more functional for all users.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 12:10pm

• Charlie Nom

  I’m one person who has reported over 120 instances of bike lanes blocked, by NYC TLC drivers, via 311 in the year 2024 – I can attest this issue is prevalent and pervasive.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 2:04pm

• Autumn Bosco

  This is very necessary. T&Lc vehicles are operated by people who drive for a living and they should be treated as such. Continued ignorance of the rules, especially for “professionals”, is unacceptable.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 5:53pm

• Bill Bruno

  This is long overdue. The increase in Uber/Lyft vehicles alongside the regular traffic in taxi and livery vehicles has only increased the scope of this problem.

  I regularly have to maneuver around vehicles parked in bike lanes and, as a pedestrian, have to deal with blocked boxes and cars obtruding into the crosswalk more than I should have to. I’m sure this is a widespread problem.

  Parking in bike lanes and crosswalks increases hazards for all users and, clearly, tougher sanctions are needed.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 6:00pm

• David Kim

  I fully support this idea. Professions revolving around handling cars should be held to a high standard given how much danger a vehicle can pose. Multiple offenses show a blatant disregard for the safety of others and should be appropriately discouraged.

  Comment added February 27, 2025 10:54pm

• Anonymous Former Bike Commuter

  Strongly support this. Traffic has gotten worse each year since the pandemic, and TLC drivers who run through red lights, violate the bike lanes, obstruct crosswalks when the light changes and then try to push through the pedestrians, etc. are a big part of why walking extended distances in the city has become uncomfortable, and bike commuting has become untenable during rush hour unless you can stay to the park or the Hudson.

  Please consider extending similar rules to commercial vehicles, especially Fresh Direct delivery trucks whose operators think the entire city is their parking and storage area, and possibly to private drivers as well (with double points for BMW drivers as they seem to need an extra incentive)

  Comment added February 28, 2025 6:26am

• Thunder Smasher LLC

  I fully support this proposed rule change. Escalating fines will make crossing the streets safer for everyone and reduce repeat offenders from doing it again.

  Comment added February 28, 2025 12:56pm

• Jonathan Goren

  I am in support of these rules changes. I also think that the rules should be changed so that 3rd and subsequent offenders have their licensed suspended and take the education course.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 9:37am

• Karma phunchok

  Please don’t add points for non moving violations such as parking tickets . This is too much for drivers like us and our livelihood.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 10:51am

• Juan M

  NYC is a joke, along with the TLC and the clown we have as a mayor Erick Adams. They want to blame everything on the drivers, but pedestrian and bikers do not respect any law. Pedestrians jump in front of the cars when cars have a green light (what they do is make jay walking legal, how is that making new york safer), on the other side bikers don’t care if they have a red light, they also ride in the wrong way and ride on the sidewalk yet I don’t see any proposing law to make bikers and pedestrians accountable. Pedestrian and bikers do whatever they what in NYC with no consequences but this clowns in charge just want to make a profit from hardworking drivers.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 11:42am

• Rashed Saikat

  I don’t support it.
  This particular rule is bogus and money grab. This rule shouldn’t be implemented since drivers do receive tickets unfairly. TLC drivers should have the same right as regular drivers. There shouldn’t be any separate rules for TLC drivers which is completely money grab and it’s a way for NYC TLC to extort the drivers. I’m also hoping that the nyc TLC should be investigated for all the corruptions that they have done so far.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 1:24pm

• Barack

  Your proposed rules is again proving that TLC is operating as a mafia cash cow I can’t wait for a common sense mayor like Mario cuomo to clean this corrupt agency and for the justice department to indict you all, TLC you have drivers blood on your hands and you violated drivers constitutional rights for years and justice is coming for you all.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 2:06pm

• Seefat Aman

  I don’t believe this it is fair that this only applies to tlc drivers. There’s multiple types of vehicles that drive into the city that also violate city traffic laws (uber eats delivery drivers, fresh direct delivery drivers and even late night garbage truck drivers). Doing this will just restrict the drivers and cause more stress for drivers than there already is. Yellow cab drivers are paying $2500 to $5000 a month to just rent there cars. Then we have the Uber drivers or fhv drivers who either rent or own there vehicles and pay a nice insurance premium already. We drivers have to pay to maintain our cars and keep them clean, then we get these cars inspected every 3 months by dmv standards and every 2 years by the tlc. Mind you every inspection costs us time off from work and every inspection costs us money too. On top of that we have unforseen circumstances while on the road. Many of us wake up 3/4 am to service the working class during the day and many of us sleep throughout the day and service the people who are out on evenings into late nights. Although many drivers are bad actors, majority of the drivers in the city are just working a job. If the city and TLC doesn’t want more tlc drivers in the city, maybe they should close down the licensing for new drivers. Not come after current working drivers who pay there taxes and are contributing to the economy. Every time my license gets a point my insurance rates go up. I understand citizens are upset about bike lane rules not being addressed. But this is not a solution. A vast majority of TLC drives don’t even have a social or family life because they are so busy working. What makes you think making them take a vision zero remedial course will make them have a better mindset while working. You are taking away precious work hours or sleep hours from these individuals. If I spent 2/4/6 hours on a class and then have to return back to work with one point on my license, I will most probably have a lot more on my mind as I need to get ready to pay for increased insurance premiums and a fee for the vision zero class, as well as sleep or work hours lost. So now I will most probably work with more stress for the next month and try to increase my earnings and have less hours at home and more hours on the road. Make it make sense. Add a vision zero advisory class to the renewal course, so now all existing tlc drivers can get re educated on bike lane safety and so on. Doing this will just give the drivers another expense and force drivers to be on the road for longe hours, making the roads dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. The more the operating expense is for a tlc driver. The more we need to work to cover such expenses then pay for rent and other necessities. For us our car and license fees and needs come first, we provide food on the plate with those two tools we have acquired. We are constantly scrutinized by nypd and tlc police, but we don’t mind that because we understand that we have to abide by the rules. But this a stretch of things that is honestly not possible to work with. If TLC drivers are held liable for every breath we make, I think it’s time to review the city bikes and regular bikers too. I see them every day taking red lights and not staying in the bike lane, maybe they should get ticketed too. Because if I drive in the bike lane I get a ticket for sure, but if a biker wants to come in a car lane the biker doesn’t get any circumstances, even though the biker is putting his or her own life at danger. No consequences for the biker but all the consequences apply for the driver, sounds unfair doesn’t it? Even with the bus lanes, we regular size vehicles cannot use them but they come into our lanes. Imagine I’m going down 2 ND ave and I get a uber ride. Now I have two options to pull over into, Either the bus lane or double park across the street and have the rider cross traffic to get over. I don’t know what TLC or NYC local government thinks we drivers are. We are not millionaires and cannot afford to survive in the city if TLC and NYC local government keeps putting these unreasonable penalties on us. If all uber drivers and yellow cab drivers disappear one day the city would definitely not be that pleasant to navigate. Keep that in mind, every time a train or public transit fails, people take a cab; going out to fancy occasion, people take a cab; very cold and freezing outside, and uber is surging, people come out to call yellow cabs. Understand that if we are here for you in good times and emergencies why do you want to make our whole job a pain to do. If this regulation was passed for all drivers I would not complain and spend my time writing this comment. But I hope someone reads this and I can help change your mind about these situations. No driver wants to hurt bikers or pedestrians in any way for sure. We don’t want to block the lanes for anyone but then we’re do you want us to stop. Pretty sure everyone has called a uber or car service and the car waited a few minutes downstairs, where do you want drivers to wait?

  Comment added March 2, 2025 3:14pm

• David Do

  I don’t support this proposal at all. I see a lot of paid supporters commenting here that they support this proposal.
  Tlc drivers are some of the best drivers in city. 90% of time I see cross wall and all other illegal parking is by regular cars. NOT TLC.
  This proposal does not make sense at all.

  Comment added March 2, 2025 3:55pm

• Eri Torres

  TLC drivers operate their vehicles for long hours every day, increasing their chances of minor infractions. A single driver could accumulate points quickly through minor issues that have little to no impact on road safety. The system unfairly punishes those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihood.

  This rule is so unfair to TLC DRIVERS with the points

  Comment added March 2, 2025 6:24pm

• Md hossain

  We TLC drivers already struggling a lot! We can’t pay our bills! If this happens we will suffer more and more! Please exempt TLC drivers from all kinds of traffic tickets!

  Comment attachment
  MD.-FARUQUE-HOSSAIN.pdf

  Comment added March 2, 2025 11:38pm

• Shane Sauder

  The proposed rule change is a very good idea. Small violations such as blocking a crosswalk or a bike lane can have deadly effects. It is important that the fines escalate and begin to accrue points for drivers to deter repeat offenders. This rule change will result in a safer, more orderly city.

  Comment added March 3, 2025 9:41am

• Charlie Guthrie

  I support these proposed changes to make our streets safer, as a pedestrian and cyclist.

  Comment added March 3, 2025 2:45pm

• Laura Fishman

  I applaud this proposal and support these changes. Vehicles (including TLC vehicles) blocking crosswalks and bike lanes are serious hazards. I fear for my own life and safety and for that of my children when biking to work or walking to school.

  Comment added March 3, 2025 10:31pm

• Alexander Apter

  Repeat offenders, clearly, need a more significant punishment in order to correct their behavior. I support the proposed changes.

  Comment added March 4, 2025 9:15am

• Alan Mooiman

  I’m strongly in favor of stricter penalties for TLC vehicles blocking bike and bus lanes, as well as other stationary violations. There are far too many of these vehicles endangering cyclists and pedestrians by blocking critical sightlines and right-of-ways.

  Comment added March 4, 2025 9:54am

• Morshed Alam

  I don’t support any rules that put driver’s livelihood in jeopardy. There’s already NYPD and State troopers, we don’t need TLC polices, we are not criminals. Rather TLC police should be there to protect the drivers from passengers that are criminals. Thanks.

  Comment added March 4, 2025 12:13pm

• Robin

  I don’t support this proposed law. Drivers are essential worker. They are the backbones of NYC’s transportation system. Also drivers are already suffering financially. Rather NYC should put laws for bikers who take red lights and those that don’t even ride on bike lanes. Furthermore, the pedestrian should be accountable for walking straight in front of cars while it is green for the driver.

  Comment added March 4, 2025 1:56pm

• Nick Hanley

  I support this measure as a resident of NYC and frequent Uber user. I appreciate TLC vehicles and drivers since I know they are held to a higher bar of safety for all New Yorkers.

  Comment added March 6, 2025 2:49pm

• Eman Rimawi-Doster

  I’d like to talk about the importance of allowing any paratransit vehicles permission to pull over to pick up or drop off a customer, as well as working with the DOT and MTA about improving some of the designated AAR bus stops for customers with disabilities like myself.

  Comment added March 7, 2025 12:32pm

• NYC commuter

  I support these changes – as a driver, it’s dangerous and causes more traffic when TLC vehicles double park because I have to drive around them, sometimes on narrow roads; and as a biker, I’m more likely to get by a car when I have to ride around TLC vehicles that park in the bike lane.

  So I support these changes (not relevant, but I also think TLC drivers should get paid a lot more).

  Comment added March 9, 2025 4:53pm

• Harjinder Singh

  This rules is so bad is hurting Tlc people very badly, sometime as a Tlc driver, we didn’t have no choice School somebody very old person they can walk. We have to stop the car pick up the person and bus lane two people with wheelchair. They have no choice.Have to pick up them and the bus give us take it and now people taking pictures and ,people to get the ticket. It’s not a good for Tlc driver, please think on it

  Comment added March 10, 2025 8:03pm

• Ahmad The Driver

  ear TLC,

  I am writing to request that the TLC does not increase or pass new laws penalizing drivers who need to wait in bus lanes or bike lanes to pick up passengers. Since 2014, many streets and avenues in the city have been converted into bus or bike lanes, making it increasingly difficult for drivers to pick up and drop off passengers.

  Some of the passengers we serve have health issues, age-related challenges, or disabilities that require us to wait for them at specific locations, sometimes in bus or bike lanes or even while double-parked. Additionally, companies like Uber and Lyft impose strict policies, requiring drivers to wait a maximum of eight minutes at the pick-up location in order to qualify for the cancellation of a no-show fee. This adds more pressure on drivers, especially when the designated pick-up spots are in areas with limited parking options due to bus and bike lanes.

  We respectfully ask that the TLC consider the unique challenges faced by drivers and avoid passing any new laws that would further complicate our ability to serve passengers while also complying with the regulations.

  particularly with the increasing presence of electric bikes and pedestrian behavior. These electric bikes are becoming a major issue, as some of them travel at speeds comparable to, or even faster than, regular vehicles—reaching speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour. This makes them dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians, especially since many riders do not follow traffic rules or regulations.

  Additionally, pedestrians are often disregarding traffic signals and crossing streets without following the rules. Even when drivers have the right of way at a green light, pedestrians continue to cross against the signal, creating further hazards.

  The combination of these factors, especially the high-speed electric bikes, creates a dangerous environment for everyone on the road. We, as drivers, are deeply concerned about our safety and the safety of our passengers, and we urge the TLC to take immediate action to address these issues before more accidents occur.

  Thank you for your attention to these serious safety concerns. We look forward to seeing measures that can help protect everyone on the road.

  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  Comment added March 10, 2025 10:58pm

• Anna Humphrey

  Dear Commissioners,

  My name is Anna Humphrey, and I am the Transportation Community Organizer for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY). Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony regarding the proposed rule that would increase fines and impose license points on TLC drivers who stop in bus or bike lanes to pick up or drop off passengers. While I appreciate the City’s commitment to enhancing cyclist safety, I urge the TLC to delay this decision until a comprehensive conversation is held with key stakeholders, including the disability community, the MTA, the Department of Transportation, the NYPD, and bicycle advocates. This rule has significant implications for people with disabilities and the drivers who serve them, and without proper adjustments, it may cause unintended harm.

  For people with disabilities who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis (WAVs), paratransit, and broker-provided Access-A-Ride (AAR) services, being let out by the curb is essential. In much of the city, particularly in high-traffic areas, the only available curbside space is within a bike lane or a bus stop due to the large number of cars parked along curbs. If TLC drivers are penalized for stopping in these spaces, it creates an impossible situation where wheelchair users and other disabled passengers will be forced to navigate unsafe conditions just to enter or exit a vehicle. The inability to safely drop off disabled passengers is not only discriminatory but also a direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the City’s commitment to equitable transportation access.

  The proposal relies on camera enforcement, which presents a major problem for wheelchair users. Camera images may not clearly show whether a driver is actively assisting a disabled passenger, leading to wrongful fines and penalties for drivers who are simply fulfilling their legal obligation to provide accessible transportation. While we would recommend a wheelchair loading exemption, like the exemption given to paratransit by the DOT, its implementation under a camera enforcement system remains unclear and could result in unfair punishments for drivers assisting passengers with disabilities.

  Many TLC drivers are already struggling financially, and this rule could make it even harder for them to operate, especially if they are at risk of losing their licenses due to repeated violations. Some drivers are already reluctant to pick up and drop off passengers at certain locations—such as 375 Pearl St.—due to bike lane and bus stop restrictions. Without designated pick-up and drop-off areas, drivers will continue to be placed in difficult situations, choosing between serving their passengers or risking fines and penalties. Additionally, stopping in a crosswalk is not a safe alternative, but without designated curbside options, some drivers may feel they have no choice.

  This issue requires a discussion among all affected parties. Before this rule moves forward, a conversation should be had that includes disability advocates, TLC representatives, DOT officials, MTA representatives, NYPD enforcement personnel, and bicycle advocacy groups. Together, we can find balanced solutions such as:

  Designating specific pick-up and drop-off zones for accessible taxis and for-hire vehicles in high-traffic areas.

  Ensuring a clear, enforceable exemption for wheelchair users and disabled passengers.

  Improving communication between agencies to address enforcement and logistical challenges.

  The TLC must ensure that the rule does not unintentionally harm people with disabilities or penalize the drivers who serve them. I strongly urge you to delay implementation of this rule until a proper dialogue takes place with all affected stakeholders.

  Thank you for your time and consideration.

  Sincerely,
  Anna Humphrey
  Transportation Community Organizer
  Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY)

  Comment attachment
  3.12-TLC-Hearing-Testimony.docx

  Comment added March 11, 2025 12:34pm

• John hia

  I’m yellow cabby .we should get permit to park with restrictions to use restroom.turn where buses are allowed to turn with passenger and to use bus lanes with passengers this will reduce our aggression level.and prevent overcharging and passenger refusal.i notice that a lot of cabbies/Ubers making illegal turns when they pick up fares.i try my best to stay invisible but I get caught once in while.no body talks about this .you know many times overcharge passengers and I use the that I obey law excuse.

  Comment added March 11, 2025 12:39pm

• John hia

  I’m yellow cabby .we should get permit to park with restrictions to use restroom.turn where buses are allowed to turn with passenger and to use bus lanes with passengers this will reduce our aggression level.and prevent overcharging and passenger refusal.i notice that a lot of cabbies/Ubers making illegal turns when they pick up fares.i try my best to stay invisible but I get caught once in while.no body talks about this .you know many times overcharge passengers and I use the that I obey law excuse.relax the rules a little bit.

  Comment added March 11, 2025 12:43pm

• Downstate New York ADAPT

  Twelve disability organizations submit the attached written comments, in PDF and Word format, in response to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s request for testimony in response to the public hearing scheduled to be held on ​Wednesday, ​March 12, 2025, regarding the proposal to amend the TLC rules to​ increase the penalties for stationary and non-hazardous moving violations, also referred to as Vision Zero & Fitness Revocation Hearings Rule Proposal.

  Comment attachment
  3-11-2025-Final-Filed-Letter-to-NYC-TLC-Higher-Penalties.pdf

  Comment added March 11, 2025 2:59pm

• John hia

  Yellow cabbie.i disagree with the rule changes.the parking violation part should not be disturbed.the moving violation part is different.the cabbies/ ubers make numerous dangerous u- turns when they pick up or drop off passengers .because they want to save the passengers time and money .I take the long route and make extra money because I’m afraid of tlc and I’m not a mta bus.but my aggression level goes up.i need permit to use buslane and turn where buses turn when I have fares .the fares will thank me and I also urinate in a plastic bottle.

  Comment added March 11, 2025 4:14pm

• Kathleen Collins

  See annexed letter, dated March 11, 2025.

  Comment attachment
  3-11-2025-Final-KC-NYC-TLC-Increase-Penalties-Proposed-Rule.pdf

  Comment added March 11, 2025 4:46pm

• Wasiq Ahmadi

  as Tlc driver I don’t support this roll because it’s making difficult for as to pick up passengers with disabilities, health , age on bus, bike lane , double park . Since 2013 most of the streets and avenues turned bus and bike lane . If this violation continues it will discourage driver to cancel the rides on bus lane or bike lane.

  Comment added March 11, 2025 10:33pm

• Ezatullah Jalili

  because it’s making difficult for as to pick up passengers with disabilities, health , age on bus, bike lane , double park . Since 2013 most of the streets and avenues turned bus and bike lane . If this violation continues it will discourage driver to cancel the rides on bus lane or bike lane.

  Comment added March 11, 2025 10:35pm