New York City achieves 50% accessibility milestone for yellow cabs.

Half of New York City’s active fleet of yellow taxis, approximately 5,140 vehicles, are now wheelchair accessible, a significant milestone confirmed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) on Thursday. This achievement fulfills a requirement outlined in a 2013 settlement agreement aimed at increasing accessibility for individuals with disabilities in the city’s taxi services.

The announcement was made by David Do, chief of the TLC, who spoke to reporters outside the commission’s inspection facility in Woodside, Queens. The proactive effort spanned over a decade, propelled by advocacy from the disability community, which insisted that 50% of the taxi fleet—equivalent to around 5,100 vehicles—be rendered wheelchair accessible. Current TLC data indicate that approximately 51% of the active fleet, which totals just under 10,000 taxis, now meets this requirement.

However, these figures exclude around 3,600 taxicab medallions “in storage,” which are owned but not currently affiliated with cabs in regular service. Milagros Franco, an intake coordinator at the Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled, highlighted the transformative impact of this development, stating that it offers newfound freedom in transportation options for individuals with disabilities.

In a ceremonial act symbolizing the achievement, officials, including Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeffrey Roth and other advocates, affixed a medallion to Cab No. 9G84, marking the 50% accessibility benchmark for the operational taxi fleet. This event serves not only as a testament to the hard-fought battle for representation but also as a stepping stone towards the goal of 100% accessibility in the future.

The push for increased accessibility began in earnest in 2011 when the Taxis for All coalition initiated legal action, as less than 2% of taxis could accommodate a wheelchair at that time. The lawsuit was settled in 2013, with the TLC committing to making half of the entire 13,587-cab fleet accessible by 2020. Despite encountering several delays, including the effect of rideshare services and the COVID-19 pandemic, the agreement was ultimately revised to a 2023 deadline.

Under the recent changes, financial pathways have emerged to support taxi drivers in purchasing wheelchair-accessible vehicles, such as a loan program established by the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, offering low-interest loans to assist with acquiring necessary vehicles.

As outlined in the original settlement, the TLC must ensure that half of its yellow cab fleet is accessible within the next three years, not limited to the active fleet. Given the legal cap of 13,587 medallions, this means the TLC will need to increase the number of accessible taxis by around 2,000 by the end of 2028.

The TLC remains committed to fulfilling its obligations, with assurances that the deadline will be met, reinforcing New York City’s dedication to improving transport accessibility for all residents, regardless of ability. This initiative not only enhances the quality of life for individuals requiring wheelchair access but also stands as a significant advancement in New York City’s ongoing efforts toward inclusivity.