Street Hail Livery (SHL) Pilot Program

The SHL Pilot Program utilizes returned SHL (Green Taxi) permits to test the feasibility of a license that cuts costs traditionally associated with SHLs, while also eliminating the ability to receive street hails. During the Pilot Program, TLC will study potential improvements in pre-arranged non-emergency medical transportation service, outer-borough service, fleet electrification, and wheelchair accessibility of the TLC fleet.

Initially a 2-year period, the SHL Pilot Program has been extended through June 2026, while the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) conducts an analysis and prepares a report assessing the program and next steps. Results of the analysis and the pilot program report will be shared once completed. 
 
The decal on all SHL Pilot vehicles have an expiration date of June 30, 2025 which will now be valid through June 30, 2026. There is no need for the SHL Pilot participants to bring their vehicles to the TLC Woodside facility for inspection or for a new decal until June 2026. However, it is important for all vehicles to continue to undergo DMV inspections at non-TLC facilities to keep the DMV inspection sticker current. Please note, the expiration date on Open Data will not match the expiration date on the vehicle decal, which is acceptable at this time. 
 
To view the new expiration date please see the Open Data list, or the vehicle licensee can log into TLCUp at www.nyc.gov/tlcup. For questions please email LicensingInquiries@tlc.nyc.gov  

Streamlined hack-up requirements for the Pilot:

• Technology System will not be necessary—no meter, no roof light, no tablet.
  
  
• TLC will provide the necessary markings.
  
  
• Pilot Participants can choose any vehicle color (except taxi yellow and apple green). 
  
  
• Partition/In-Vehicle Camera System is optional.  
  
  
• No interaction with Meter Shops will be necessary. Participants will be ready to accept pre-arranged rides as soon as TLC provides required markings after the (successful) initial inspection.
  
  
• Vehicle inspections are required by TLC Safety & Emissions once every two years, similar to other For-Hire Vehicles.

Operating Restrictions:

• The vehicle must be an Electric Vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle, or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).
  
  
• Unlike traditional SHLs, SHL Pilot Program participants may not accept street hails.
  
  
• Similar to traditional SHLs, SHL Pilot Program participants may only accept trips beginning outside the Pre-Arranged Exclusionary Zone unless it is an Access A Ride or Medicaid-reimbursed trip.

More SHL Pilot Program FAQs

Interested in applying for an SHL Pilot Program Permit and License? Please Visit the Get an SHL Pilot Program License page.