He’s confirmed! David Do is officially the new commissioner and chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), after a unanimous vote by the City Council this past week. Do was former head of Washington, D.C.’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and was nominated by New York Mayor Eric Adams in late April following the resignation of Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk.
TLC Commissioner and Chair David Do
Mayor Adams called the taxi and for-hire industry “a critical piece of a just and equitable New York City” and expressed his confidence that Do is the person to achieve it, thanks to his reputation as a thoughtful policymaker with the use of innovative technology to help meet those initiatives.
Do has his work cut out for him. After a punishing few years that have included a rapid decline in medallion prices on top of a pandemic and mental health crisis among for-hire drivers, Do is tasked with shoring up existing issues while also pivoting an industry for the 21st century.
While serving as the head of the DFHV, Do spearheaded the launch of DC Microtransit, an on-demand shuttle service for riders living outside the traditional routes of public transit. He also led the agency through the COVID pandemic and distributed personal protective equipment to drivers to keep them safe on the job. Do is also chairman of the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) Technology and Innovation Committee.
Former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus
“I am excited and ready to take on this role to serve the entire for-hire industry at this critical time, and I want to thank Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Joshi, and the City Council for this incredible opportunity,” Do said following his confirmation. “I want to let drivers know that they have a partner in me. I am fully committed to helping drivers get relief from crushing medallion debt, delivering true transportation equity for our customers with disabilities and those outside of Manhattan, and leveraging technology and innovation to diversify and strengthen our industry.”
Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein
The announcement has earned the praise of many in the industry, including former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai, and Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein.
“David Do has the experience and expertise to guide TLC into the future, while ensuring drivers and operators have the support they need to move our industry and our recovery forward,” Goldstein said. “The Black Car Fund looks forward to working with David to create safer streets, a better transportation network, and conditions that allow drivers and the for-hire vehicle industry to thrive.”
"I know firsthand how challenging this position is, and he is the right person at the right time–to bring order, morale, and confidence back to the TLC," Daus said, who works with Do through IATR. "His experienced leadership will guide the industry toward further innovation and multimodal integration, while making strides to promote access and equity."
You can find more information about the agency and its objectives here.
[05.24.22]