Provides that no autonomous vehicle may be used for taxi, livery or transportation network company vehicle services in any city with a population of one million or more without first being licensed by the New York City taxi and limousine commission; requires the New York City taxi and limousine commission to establish a license for use of an autonomous vehicle as a taxicab and to promulgate rules regarding such license and the operation of autonomous taxicabs.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A793
SPONSOR: Lasher TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the opera-
tion of autonomous taxicabs in a city having a population of one million
or more
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would require that any autonomous vehicle used for
taxis or prearranged trips to be licensed by the taxi and limousine
commission as a taxi.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
§ 1 adds a new section 398 to the Vehicle and traffic law to require all
autonomous vehicles used for ride hail, prearranged trips or taxis to be
licensed by the taxi and limousine commission. The taxi and limousine
commission shall establish rules for the issuance of such licenses to
taxi medallion owners.
§ 2 establishes an immediate effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Although autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is new and remains under
development, commercial AVs are already in use in some major cities,
including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix. The safety of
the public and the preservation of meaningful opportunities for profes-
sional drivers and small business owners should be a top priority when
considering how to allow this new technology to operate on New York
streets. This legislation would ensure that New York has the necessary
oversight and rules to regulate this emerging technology and ensure it
is being implemented in a thoughtful, safe and practical way.
The entry of app-based ride-share companies in 2011 significantly
reduced the value of taxi medallions, in which drivers had invested
significant life savings. According to the New York Times, yellow cab
revenue decreased about 10% per cab, and medallion values fell by 90%.
By 2019, 950 medallion owners had filed for bankruptcy. Understanding
the severity of the crisis, the City of New York stepped in and created
the medallion relief program. Under this program, New York City has used
$100 million in public funds to restructure medallion loans for nearly
2,000 drivers. The City has also promised to take on the cost of the
loan in the case of default. By integrating AVs into the existing regu-
latory system, New York will not only promote street safety, but also
protect the livelihoods of taxi drivers.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24; S.9959 - Referred to Rules
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
