NYC Permitting Deadline is causing ride-share drivers to rush so they do not miss it

[Shortie]

Ride-share drivers are at the moment experiencing significant changes in New York City. This is due to a recent surge in applications that have been made for new electric vehicle (EV) plates. Over 9,600 applications were received by The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) before a court-ordered pause.

A policy change that allowed the issuance of new TLC plates to drivers who have electric vehicles was what triggered this rush, as part of Mayor Adam's plan to transition New York City's ride-share fleet to be entirely wheelchair or electric-accessible by 2030.

The number of ride-share vehicles had been capped previously in 2018 but the cap was lifted in October but this was not for long as the cap was temporarily reinstated by a court order following a lawsuit.

If the rapid increase of EV applications is approved, it could raise the number of electric ride-share vehicles to 13.5% of the total fleet. This would significantly impact the city's car-charging infrastructure. This change is different from the previous system in which it saw the number of ride-share vehicles strictly controlled and less than 3% of those vehicles were electric.

The implications of this shift are still unfolding and concerns are being raised in regards to potential congestion and the effect it will have on drivers incomes.

You can read in more detail about these changes and how to understand them in the article here

 

[Farmaholic]

That's an interesting news story. I'm surprised that the city isn't making it as easy as possible for the drivers to comply with the permit rules. Electric vehicles are supposed to be more environmentally friendly, and ride-sharing usually saves on carbon emissions, so the city could get a lot of good PR out of the initiative if they were sensitive to the drivers.

 

[Debashis]

The surge in applications for new electric vehicle plates for ride-share drivers in New York City raises concerns about congestion and drivers' incomes.

 

[Nomad]

I can see pros and cons of this policy change. There would be more vehicles for people, which will make commuting easy, however, more vehicles running on the street also means traffic congestion. Based on what I have read here, I am wondering why most policy changes have to be challenged in courts, can't they take people's feedback before introducing new rules?