How To Apply For *NEW* SHL TLC Plates & Some Thoughts
NYC TLC’s SHL Pilot is now live & accepting applications
2,500 “restricted” TLC Plates set aside for individual drivers
Given unique structure of Pilot, TLC drivers need to consider several factors before applying
NYC’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) recently launched an SHL Pilot Program. We’ve reported on the Pilot and surrounding controversy. The program was approved by the TLC Board of Commissioners earlier this month.
SHL Pilot & structure
Considerations before applying
How to apply for SHL Permits (a/k/a “restricted” TLC Plates)
Although there are different ways to view it, the SHL Pilot essentially seeks to reimagine the Street Hail Livery (SHL), also known as NYC green cab ✅🚕, industry. Notably, the requirement and ability for green cabs to accept outer borough origin street hails 👋 (‘SH’ in the SHL acronym), is revoked 🤔 in the Pilot. In reality the “SHL” Pilot is just an “L” (Livery) Pilot.
The Pilot allows for the issuance of up to 2,500 new “SHL Permits”(the TLC is viewing it as a reissuance of retired green cab permits). SHL Permits are better framed as “restricted” TLC Plates. For example, these *new* TLC Plates can only pick-up in the Hail Exclusionary Zone, NORTH of West 110th St. and East 96th St (including airports).
Whether you’re an existing SHL driver who wants to switch out of their street hail 👋 green cab OR a TLC driver who wants to exit a leasing arrangement, there are some important considerations before participating in the SHL Pilot.
Both Uber and Lyft, the two largest players in the market, have indicated (*for now*) they WILL NOT be dispatching to SHL Pilot FHV Licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates). These companies account for a large majority of NYC for-hire trips. For example, if you are in a leasing arrangement, you might want to consider the prospect of not having Uber/Lyft access if you receive SHL Pilot TLC Plates (also before making the large financial commitment required).
However, if you are a NYC TLC driver that does not (or cannot) drive for Uber/Lyft and mostly services prearranged outer borough trips, the SHL Pilot might be a great way to get out of a leasing arrangement!
The inability to pickup in most of Manhattan (e.g. below E 96th, W 110th), except for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) work, has to be considered. For example, do your earnings prospects decrease too much versus the other benefits you might accrue by participating in the SHL Pilot.
Committing to purchase an electric vehicle or hybrid is a significant financial decision for most individuals. Layering on the previously mentioned Uber/Lyft and trip location restrictions, a driver really needs to assess whether the implied financial investment required of the SHL Pilot, makes sense.
Furthermore, there is a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) exemption for standard FHV Licenses (TLC Plates), so it would be very confusing why a current of prospective WAV driver-owner would participate in the SHL Pilot vs. applying for an “all-access” 5 borough TLC Plate? 🤔.
The SHL Pilot specifically states that the FHV License is non-transferable and can only be attached to an individual’s name. Some TLC drivers, that currently have their own “all access” TLC Plates or taxi medallion(s), might view this as an opportunity to claim another FHV License (& attached vehicle) to eventually lease out. Since a business entity cannot be associated with an SHL Pilot FHV License, the prospect of acquiring a permit to then rent out is unattractive in our view, especially from an insurance liability perspective.
The NYTWA lawsuit that seeks to block the the SHL Pilot could be a risk IF the taxi union is successful. We’re not exactly sure if already issued SHL Pilot FHV Licenses would be forced retired or “grandfathered” in, but it’s something to note.
After you’ve considered the above and you’ve decided you want to apply for SHL Pilot “restricted” TLC Plates, the application process is not that complex (please also refer to our YouTube video above that briefly overviews the initial steps).
Step 1 is filling out a simple Authorization Agreement. You will need:
Once you complete the Authorization Agreement, TLC will verify your eligibility. If you are approved, the TLC will notify you via DocuSign in an email and provide you with your SHL Pilot Permit Number.
As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or by emailing us at info@automarketplace.com.
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️
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