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SHL Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I participate in this Pilot?
This is an opportunity for anyone with a TLC Driver License and a Hybrid, Wheelchair Accessible or Electric Vehicle to use their own Vehicle and provide trips to the riding public by pre-arrangement in Northern Manhattan, the four other boroughs and the New York City airports. Participants can provide Access-A-Ride and Medicaid-reimbursed brokerage trips anywhere in New York City.
Can TLC refund the fee for my current FHV License or credit the remaining time on that license toward the validity of my new FHV License?
No.
If Uber and Lyft will not participate in this program, which company will provide pre-arranged rides?
You must reach out to an individual Base to see if they are currently accepting drivers. Here is a list of active bases: NYC OpenData
My Technology Provider is charging me a fee for de-installation and another fee for breaking my service contract for the meter. How can you help?
Please speak to your Technology Service Provider.
Which Base can I affiliate with?
You can affiliate with any For-Hire Base.
Am I guaranteed rides from either Uber or Lyft if I join this Pilot?
No. TLC has no control over which drivers receive trips from Uber and Lyft.
Have Uber or Lyft indicated that they will participate in this Pilot?
You should not apply for these licenses under the assumption that you will get dispatches from Uber or Lyft. On May 12, 2023, Uber stated that 'at this time, Uber will not be affiliating or dispatching these Pilot SHLs.' Lyft has also indicated that it will not participate in the Pilot at this time.
I’ve been locked out by Uber in recent months. Will joining this Pilot make it less likely that I will be locked out?
TLC has no control over which drivers receive trips from Uber and Lyft.
How long until my FHV License expires?
Two years from the beginning of the Pilot (unless the Pilot is terminated).
If I have a WAV, shouldn’t I apply for an FHV License under the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle exemption to the FHV Pause?
It is your choice whether to participate in the Pilot or pursue a WAV FHV License. Please check the Get a For-Hire-Vehicle License - TLC page for more information on how to apply for a FHV License using a WAV.
How long until my SHL Permit expires?
Two years from the beginning of the Pilot (unless the Pilot is terminated).
What happens if I accept a trip by pre-arrangement within the Exclusionary Zone?
You will be penalized under TLC Rule 80-19(b)(1)(first violation carries a $500 fine and suspension). Further, the Commissioner of the TLC reserves the right to revoke your SHL Permit.
What happens if I accept a street hail, anywhere in New York City?
If I am a Base, what happens if I dispatch a Pilot Vehicle to pick up a trip within the pre-arranged exclusionary zone?
You will be penalized under TLC Rule 59B-23(f)($500 fine).
If I am a Base, how do I know which vehicles I cannot dispatch to the pre-arranged exclusionary zone under this program?
In OpenData, the For Hire Vehicles (FHV) - Active report list will show "Pilot" in the wheelchair accessible column confirming participation in the pilot program and "WAV" in the VEH column in the event we have a SHL Pilot Permit associated to a FHV WAV.
What are the required markings to participate, and who will provide those markings?
A marking will be placed on each side-front door of each Pilot Participant Vehicle. TLC will provide these markings, with no cost to Participants.
Can I accept pre-arranged trips at New York City airports?
Yes, Pilot Participants can accept trips by pre-arrangement at the New York City airports.