NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission is pleased to announce the launch of an online video series detailing the driving experiences of Commissioner David Do, the first TLC Commissioner to obtain a hack license and drive TLC-licensed vehicles while holding office. Titled “Commissioner Cab,” the series follows Do as he attempts to navigate the streets of New York, find trips, and deliver passengers—the daily task of the 179,000 drivers he regulates.
“Driving a New York City taxi is no easy feat; it’s important that the person who manages our fleet deeply understands the challenges and rewards of the job,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Commissioner Do’s commitment to driving a city cab is unique, and commendable. It shows the kind of respect for the hardworking men and women of the TLC that can’t be learned, and a real understanding of our city. I look forward to watching ‘Commissioner Cab’!”
“I got my TLC license as a way to better understand the challenges faced by TLC drivers, and we quickly realized that documenting it could be a useful educational tool for all New Yorkers, as they ride along virtually if you will,” said Commissioner Do. “The series captures what I experience, sometimes humorously, but it’s really a window into the whole industry and how TLC helps make NYC the safest large city in America. It’s a fun way for passengers to vicariously get behind the wheel, and behind the scenes of what goes on in the garages, the taxi lines, the airports, and more.”
“As someone who worked as a taxi driver when I first immigrated to New York City, I know that no one knows the streets of New York better than TLC drivers. I commend Commissioner Do for getting behind the wheel to learn more about the drivers who help keep this city moving,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “’Commissioner Cab’ is a shining, fun-filled, reminder that dedicated, hardworking people like TLC drivers are what makes New York the greatest city in the world.”
Commissioner Do earned his TLC license in January of 2023 and began making trips soon afterwards. His initial goal of 100 trips by the end of the year turned out to be overly optimistic; his commitments as Commissioner make slating long stretches of driving time elusive. As he also explains in the series, whenever he heads out to a taxi or for-hire base to obtain a vehicle, he likes to spend time speaking with base managers, staff, and drivers.
So far, Do has conducted 18 trips, in taxis, community car service vehicles, a Revel vehicle, and a luxury limo vehicle. He has done airport trips, and also spent a Saturday night doing trips in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A new episode of “Commissioner’s Cab” will appear on TLC’s YouTube and Vimeo channels every month.
According to rules established by the City’s Conflicts of Interest Board, the Commissioner cannot accept payment for rides, or use his authority to avoid paying traffic fines or TLC summonses. Tips are donated to bases, and he rents taxis with his own money.
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.
Over 200,000 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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