Taxicab Leasing Pilot

Driver outreach has revealed that some have stopped operating taxicabs as a result of the inflexible leases currently offered by lessors running a “5-to-5” operation. TLC estimates this lack of service during the evening rush hours causes drivers to lose over 12,000 potential fares each weekday. By participating in the Taxicab Leasing Pilot (PDF), owners and agents can offer the attractive shifts their drivers demand, such as uninterrupted shifts during the high demand evening rush hours, shorter shifts, and low-risk leases.

TLC will promote the leasing models each participant offers on this webpage, providing participants a unique opportunity to reach interested drivers.

Participants may choose to offer the following leases:

1. Standard Leases: lease agreements governed by TLC lease caps;
2. Fare Share Leases: low-risk lease agreements where the participant withholds at the end of the shift a percentage of a driver’s farebox revenue as payment for the lease;
3. Participant Leases: leases governed by a leasing model designed by each Participant with specific lease times and rates and approved by TLC; or
4. Any combination of the above.

Owners or agents who lease taxicabs on a daily or weekly basis may apply to participate in the Taxicab Leasing Pilot by completing and submitting the following materials:

• Pilot Application (PDF)
• List of all medallions owned and operated by Owner or Agent (xls)
• OPTIONAL: If interested in offering Participant Leasing Model, the Participant Leasing Model spreadsheet (see below). Send the application and materials to research@tlc.nyc.gov. Have questions? Call (212) 676-1157 to learn more about the pilot.

For those participants who would like to offer Fare Share Leases:

• Inform TLC first (TLC will update your information on this webpage); and
• Include relevant lease information on all Fare Share Leases and driver receipts..

For those participants who would like to offer Participant Leases:

• Submit a proposed leasing model with specified maximum lease charges and shift times for TLC approval;
• After TLC approves, post the relevant lease information at the participant’s place of business for at least 7 business days (TLC will update your information on this webpage) ; and
• Include relevant lease information on all Participant Leases and driver receipts.
  Total aggregate maximum lease charges (the sum of all maximum lease charges listed in a Participant’s lease model) cannot exceed the sum of all lease caps listed in TLC’s lease cap rules.
• Daily lease models, standard vehicles: aggregate maximum lease charges cannot exceed $1587.
• Daily lease models, hybrid vehicles: aggregate maximum lease charges cannot exceed $1629.
• Weekly lease models, standard vehicles: aggregate maximum lease charges cannot exceed $1367.
• Weekly lease models, hybrid vehicles: aggregate maximum lease charges cannot exceed $1403.
• Current Pilot Participants:
  
  • NYC Taxi Group
    (718) 253-3501
    Smartphone App: Lacus Driver
    876 McDonald Avenue
    Brooklyn, NY 11218
    Fare Share
    Participant-Specific (see below chart)
• Monday AM Hourly Cap $7.02 - PM Hourly Cap $7.02
• Tuesday AM Hourly Cap $7.02 - PM Hourly Cap $7.02
• Wednesday AM Hourly Cap $7.02 - PM Hourly Cap $7.44
• Thursday AM Hourly Cap $7.02 - PM Hourly Cap $9.10
• Friday AM Hourly Cap $7.02 - PM Hourly Cap $9.10
• Saturday AM Hourly Cap $6.60 - PM Hourly Cap $9.10
• Sunday AM Hourly Cap $6.60 - PM Hourly Cap $7.02
• *Additional fees may apply. Learn more about additional fees (PDF)  that fleets may charge drivers.