REMARKS
Majority Leader Amanda Farías presents Introduction 676 and Resolution 80 on electric and accessible for-hire vehicles
0:06:48
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3 min
Majority Leader Amanda Farías introduces and explains two pieces of legislation:
- Introduction 676, which calls for a comprehensive study on expanding electric for-hire vehicles in NYC
- Resolution 80, which urges the state to implement a surcharge on for-hire vehicles to fund wheelchair accessible and electric vehicles.
She emphasizes the importance of these bills in addressing sustainability, accessibility, and equity in the transportation sector.
- Introduction 676 requires the TLC to study costs, challenges, and opportunities for electric for-hire vehicles, including incentives, charging infrastructure, and regular progress reports.
- Resolution 80 supports state-level legislation to establish a surcharge on for-hire rides to fund both wheelchair accessible and electric vehicles.
- Farías highlights the need for support and resources for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles and the importance of expanding charging infrastructure.
Amanda Farías
0:06:48
Thank you, chair majority whip, Sylvana Brooks Powers.
0:06:51
Good morning, colleagues.
0:06:52
I'm pleased to have introduction six seventy six heard and discussed at today's hearing, a bill that advances New York City's commitment to sustainability and cleaner transportation.
0:07:01
As we push for a cleaner a greener, more resilient city, we must prioritize the electrification of our for hire vehicle fleets while ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support that transition.
0:07:13
This bill directs the TLC to conduct a comprehensive study on the costs, challenges, and opportunities of expanding electric for hire vehicles in New York City.
0:07:22
It also requires a report with concrete recommendations, including incentive programs to encourage drivers and companies to transition to EVs, strategic locations for new EV charging stations to ensure accessibility and efficacy, and targets for ensuring and issuing EV licenses and expanding the charging infrastructure.
0:07:41
Additionally, TLC will be required to report twice a year on progress towards these goals, ensuring accountability and a data driven approach to electrification.
0:07:50
The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to New York City's carbon emissions, and transitioning for for hire vehicles to EVs is a critical step in meeting our climate goals.
0:08:01
For hire vehicle drivers need support and incentives to make this switch.
0:08:06
Many of them, especially independent drivers, face financial and logistical barriers when considering an EV.
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This study will help us understand how the city can make the transition easier and more affordable.
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Expanding EV charging infrastructure is key to making electric FHV an a viable option.
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Without sufficient charging stations in the right locations, we risk slowing down the adoption.
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Introduction six seventy six is about smart planning, sustainability, and equity.
0:08:33
We can't ask for higher drivers to go electric without ensuring that they have resources to do so.
0:08:41
And I urge my colleagues to support the bill so we can make a more meaningful action on electrifying for higher vehicles.
0:08:48
And just quickly on resolution 80, this is urging the New York state legislature and the governor to pass legislation that would place a surcharge on for hire vehicles to fund the expansion of wheelchair accessible and all electric for hire vehicles.
0:09:06
Environmentally conscious, we must take meaningful steps to ensure equitable and sustainable transition options for all New Yorkers.
0:09:13
Reso eighty supports the state level legislation that would establish a surcharge on for hire vehicle rides, generating dedicated funds to expand wheelchair accessible for hire vehicles, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to transportation, and it'll accelerate the transition to all electric for hire vehicles by reducing emissions and helping New York City meet its climate goals.
0:09:35
This dual purpose funding model recognizes that both accessibility and sustainability are pressing transportation challenges that must be addressed together.
0:09:45
And I urge my colleagues to consider signing on to both of those bills, my introduction and resolution, and look forward to the dialogue today from the administration, the TLC, the advocates, and our drivers.
0:09:58
Thank you.