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Pilot Programs

A pilot program is a small-scale, exploratory venture intended to test the viability of a project or policy. TLC uses pilot programs to decide whether or not a proposed policy will improve safety, customer service, and agency operations.

Current Pilots

  • SHL Pilot Program: Based directly on industry input, this program studies the viability of using returned SHL (Green Taxi) licenses to test a license that reduces costs associated with traditional SHLs, while also limiting operators to pre-arranged trips.

Past Pilots

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Flexible Fare (Flex Fare) Pilot (June 2018 – September 2024)

Under the Flex Fare Pilot, participating TLC-licensed E-Hail app companies were permitted to offer upfront fares to taxicab and SHL passengers other than those calculated by the taximeter (“Flex Fare”). Taxicab and SHL drivers were given the option to accept unmetered fares when a request is made through E-Hail. 

TLC favorably evaluated the Pilot, finding that Flex Fare trips have been widely adopted in both sectors, offering additional income earning opportunities for drivers and greater flexibility for passengers. 

In August 2024, TLC adopted rules that made the Flex Fare Pilot Program permanent and allowed E-Hail app companies to continue offering Flex Fare trips.

Battery Electric Vehicle Taxi Pilot (August 2021 – January 2023)

The BEV Taxi Pilot allowed for more electric vehicle models to qualify as medallion taxis. TLC studied how BEVs effectively operated as taxis including safety, operations, charging, and earnings.

Taxicab Leasing Pilot (August 2017 – July 2018)

The Taxicab Leasing Pilot offered new leasing options to drivers meant to increase flexibility in leasing arrangements between drivers and vehicle owners, and increase passenger service and driver income.

Vehicle Safety Technology Pilot (April 2015 – April 2017)

The Vehicle Safety Technology Pilot (VST) was initiated as part of Mayor de Blasio's Vision Zero Action Plan, launched with the support of Councilmembers Ydanis Rodriguez and James Vacca.

The pilot enabled TLC to test technology innovations for vehicles and their ability to improve passenger and driver safety. Examples include electronic data recorders (or "black boxes") and collision aversion systems.

For more information about the TLC's Vision Zero initiatives visit TLC's Vision Zero.

Alternative Technology Systems Pilot (May 2016 – May 2017)

Download Alternative Technology Pilot Final Report (August 2017)

The Alternative Technology Pilot (ATP) authorized companies to install innovative technology in yellow taxis, such as digital taximeters. This allowed the TLC to test whether the technology could a) improve rider and driver experience; and b) reduce costs for vehicle owners.

Used Taxicab Vehicle Pilot (March 2015 – March 2017)

Download Used Vehicle Pilot Final Report (March 2017)

In this pilot, TLC evaluated whether the purchase of a used vehicle (under than two years old) would positively impact cost and flexibility in the yellow taxi industry without adversely affecting public safety.

Accessible Dispatch (July 2008 – June 2010)

The Accessible Dispatch pilot was created to test the implementation of a city-funded dispatching system for wheelchair-accessible taxicabs. The pilot ended in 2010 and the lessons learned in the pilot were used to establish a permanent Accessible Dispatch program in Manhattan.

E-Hail (January 2013 – January 2015)

The E-Hail pilot program was created to test the effectiveness of hailing a cab electronically through a cellphone app. As of March 2016, the E-Hail pilot became a license and was no longer a pilot.

Electric Vehicles (June 2013 to February 2015)

The Electric Vehicle pilot tested the viability of introducing electric vehicles into New York City taxi fleets.