New York City limousine and other for-hire vehicle base stations need to get a license and surety bond before they can begin offering services.
What’s a for-hire vehicle base station?
New York for-hire vehicle base stations are the locations from which for-hire vehicles are dispatched. The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) licenses for-hire vehicle bases as either livery, black car, or luxury limousine bases. For-hire vehicles cannot be taxis or commuter buses and must hold 20 or fewer passengers with three or more doors. Here’s the difference between the three license types:
- Livery base stations dispatch for-hire livery vehicles that have been reserved ahead of time�what you might think of as a car service. Livery vehicles carry six or fewer passengers and charge based on mileage, time, or another predetermined metric.
- Black car base stations also dispatch vehicles on a pre-arranged basis, but the vehicles are owned by franchisees of the base station or are members of the cooperative that operates the base station. In addition, more than 90% of the base’s business must be paid by a method other than direct cash payments from the customer.
- Luxury limousine base stations dispatch pre-arranged limousines, and like black car base stations, 90% of business is not done via cash payments from customers. And, like livery base stations, limousine stations charge by the mile, by the minute or flat rate. Limousines seat 20 or fewer passengers.
For-hire vehicle base station licensees must schedule an appointment with the NYC TLC in order to submit their applications and fees. Each license type is required to submit proof of insurance coverage in varying amounts, and all vehicles affiliated with the base station need to be on file with the TLC. See the TLC’s extensive resources to be sure you don’t miss a step in the application process.
How to get licensed and bonded
In addition to licenses and insurance, for-hire vehicle base stations in New York City need to be bonded in the amount of $5,000. The surety bond is to protect the city of New York if the licensee violates the terms of the bond and consequently, of their license. If you are seeking this license, get familiar with the state laws pertaining to operating a for-hire vehicle base station.�All vehicles your base station uses as for-hire vehicles must be licensed by the TLC and have a current NYC commercial use motor vehicle tax stamp. If you are fined any civil penalties and do not pay them, the city can file a claim against your bond.