Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the number of taxicab permits and taxicab base stations serving the city of New York.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the New York city taxi and limousine agency to issue up to 1,500 taxicab licenses in addition to those already issued, provided, however that 569 of such licenses shall be restricted to vehicles that are accessible to individuals with disabilities (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the New York city taxi and limousine commission to issue non-transferable permits to owners of for-hire vehicles, authorizing such vehicles to pick up passengers by street hail under the following conditions (Sec. 3):
• The passenger is outside Manhattan;
• The passenger is not at an airport; and
• The passenger is not in Manhattan north of east 96th street and north of west 110th street.

• Defines "for-hire vehicles" as any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire in the city, with a seating capacity of 20 passengers or less (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the maximum number of taxicab permits held at any time shall not exceed 30,000 (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that permits authorizing the pick up of passengers by street hail shall cost $1,500 and remain valid for 3 years before renewal (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the New York city taxi and limousine commission to issue non-transferable permits to for-hire vehicle base stations for a fee of $3,000, provided that no more than 450 permits shall be held at one time (Sec. 4).

• Establishes a taskforce on areas of New York city underserved by medallion taxicabs; such task force shall prepare a report identifying areas of New York city that are underserved by medallion taxicabs, areas that are intensely served by medallion taxicabs and areas that are adequately served by medallion taxicabs (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text