Relates to the operation of autonomous taxicabs in N.Y. city

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic2

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Kristen Gonzalez says this is needed

Although autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is new and remains under development, commercial AVs are already in use in some major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix, and have recently completed a pilot program in New York City. As AV use expands across the United States, cities are already contending with the impacts, and mayors and city councils are seeking to address unforeseen and negative consequences. The safety of the public and the preservation of meaningful opportunities for professional drivers and small business owners should be a top priority when considering how to allow this new technology to operate on New York streets. The taxi industry, which has been in place for more than a century, is comprised of tens of thousands of professional drivers - many of whom invested their life savings to obtain a medallion allowing them to operate in the city. The profes- sional, licensed drivers and small businesses owners of the taxi indus- try provide a heavily regulated, safe, and essential service to New Yorkers. In cities that have already allowed the entrance of commercial autonomous vehicles, news reports have described injuries to pedestrians and bike riders, as well as incidents where these vehicles disobey traf- fic laws. This legislation would ensure that New York has the necessary oversight and rules to regulate this emerging technology and ensure it is being implemented in a thoughtful, safe and practical way. The entry of app-based ride-share companies in 2011 significantly reduced the value of taxi medallions, in which drivers had invested significant life savings. According to the New York Times, yellow cab revenue decreased about 10% per cab, and medallion values fell by 90%. By 2019, 950 medallion owners had filed for bankruptcy. Understanding the severity of the crisis, the City of New York stepped in and created the medallion relief program. Under this program, New York City has used $100 million in public funds to restructure medallion loans for nearly 2,000 drivers. The city has also promised to take on the cost of the loan in case of default. By integrating AVs into the existing regulatory system, New York will not only promote street safety but also protect the livelihoods of taxi drivers.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.