TLC’s Van Hailin’ Celebrates 2nd Birthday

Beloved Mobile Outreach Vehicle - Born from a Mayoral Initiative - Has Grown to Provide Services to Thousands of Licensees Across NYC

NEW YORK, NY – Two years after making its first stop in Laurelton, Queens, the coolest mobile outreach vehicle in New York City rolled back into the borough on Friday to serve TLC drivers and celebrate its second birthday, which was hosted by New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. in Woodhaven.

Better known as “Van Hailin’,” the 20-foot electric Sprinter van with its flashy red and yellow logo pulled up to Monsignor Mulz Hall on Jamaica Avenue, where it was met by a crowd of loyal “fans”—TLC drivers who came to the van to conduct business that would otherwise require them to make a trip to TLC’s Licensing facility in Long Island City.

For TLC’s 180,000 active drivers, a visit from Van Hailin’ is a bit like the TLC’s version of the DMV coming to them. Licensees can access a variety of essential TLC services, including assistance from TLC's Finance, Licensing, and Prosecution Units, as well as submitting their annual drug-tests – all in their own neighborhoods.

Since making its debut, the mobile office has served 3,346 licensees, but Van Hailin’ appearances deliver a lot more than just TLC business. The monthly events are typically hosted by local elected officials, and the van becomes an anchor for other agencies (60 so far!) and community organizations to also connect with licensees. The events always take place on Fridays, and in a different borough every month.

Another reason Van Hailin’ has become so popular: The idea came from licensees themselves. Following Mayor Eric Adams’s initiative to improve customer service, TLC polled drivers on what type of service they wanted most. They picked mobile outreach unit, and Van Hailin’ was born. It’s first event took place at Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers headquarters in March of 2023.

“Van Hailin’ is a rolling example of what happens when government listens to the needs of the community and responds with the right service: 'Everybody Wants Some,'” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We asked and listened to the immediate needs of our drivers, and this is how we successfully delivered. Our city relies on the hard work of blue-collar workers, and bringing our services directly to them saves both their time and helps put money back in their pockets.”

“The ‘Ice Cream Man’ has nothing on Van Hailin'— it's the most popular business on four wheels in town," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "Saving drivers time and money, Van Hailin’ keeps our drivers on the road earning a living, and the Big Apple moving. That's government efficiency at its best."

“My thanks go out to all the local elected officials who host our Van Hailin’ events, and all the TLC employees from our various units who travel with the van and provide the real engine behind its services,” said TLC Commissioner David Do. “These ongoing collaborations have truly ‘Unchained’ our ability to provide ever-more services to drivers.”

“I am proud to be working with the TLC to bring ease and convenience to busy drivers of for-hire vehicles, including private rideshare companies,” said Senator Addabbo Jr. “I hope that it will be a relief for them to tackle all their issues and requirements at one time in one place in the district, closer to where many of them live.”

Including this week’s event, Van Hailin’ has made 25 stops across Queens (6), Brooklyn (5), Manhattan (5), Bronx (5) and Staten Island (4). To see a full list of services provided at Van Hailin’ events, go to: nyc.gov/vanhailin

(Note: Photos from today’s event will be available on TLC’s Flickr page.)

About the NYC TLC

Created in 1971, NYC TLC is the agency responsible for licensing and regulating New York City's medallion (yellow) taxi cabs, for-hire vehicles (community-based liveries, black cars, and luxury limousines), commuter vans, and paratransit vehicles, along with the businesses that operate them. It is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and for-hire vehicle regulatory body in the United States.

Almost 180,000 TLC licensees complete approximately 1,000,000 trips each day. To operate for hire, drivers must first undergo a background check, have a safe driving record, and complete 24 hours of driver training. TLC-licensed vehicles are inspected for safety and emissions at TLC's Woodside Inspection Facility.

To find out more about the TLC, or to review its rules, regulations, and procedures, we encourage you to visit our official Web site at www.nyc.gov/taxi or contact 311/311 Online.

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