The Green Rides Initiative is a TLC rule that makes each high-volume for-hire service (Uber and Lyft) send a growing share of its trips to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), reaching 100% in 2030. It is rule §59D-13(c) of TLC's Chapter 59, adopted in 2023 and effective November 29, 2023 (NYC Rules).
One sentence: Green Rides is the timetable that pushes app trips into electric or accessible cars, and the obligation sits with the app companies, not with you.
The yearly targets
The share is counted per calendar year: trips dispatched to and completed by a ZEV or WAV, divided by all trips the company dispatched (§59D-13(c)(2)). A company that misses the target is fined $50 for each 1,000 trips below it and must file a corrective action plan.
Where drivers see it
- In what the apps offer. TLC's February 2026 review notes that in December 2025 Uber announced $4,000 for the first 2,500 drivers who switched to an EV. Offers like this come and go; check the app's own terms.
- In the fleet. TLC counted 13,115 EVs in the FHV fleet in its February 2026 review, and the 2025 Annual Report says EV trips hit a record 2.87 million in October 2025. Which models drivers chose: TLC electric fleet statistics.
- At the charger. TLC says Green Rides is meant to give charging builders steady demand. How many chargers exist and how busy they are: EV charging statistics.
Example
Suppose (made-up numbers) a company dispatches 100 million trips in 2026. It needs at least 25 million completed in a ZEV or WAV. If it reaches only 24 million, it is 1 million trips short: 1,000 × $50 = a $50,000 fine, plus a corrective action plan.
Related terms
- Zero-emission vehicle and WAV — the two vehicle types that count.
- High-volume for-hire service — the companies the rule applies to.
- Full explainer with history and the fine: Green Rides Initiative explained. Trip data: Green Rides EV trip statistics. Weighing a switch: EV vs hybrid for Uber in NYC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Green Rides Initiative?
A TLC rule (59D-13(c)) that requires each high-volume for-hire service — Uber and Lyft — to dispatch a minimum share of its trips each year to a zero-emission vehicle or a wheelchair accessible vehicle: 5% in 2024, 15% in 2025, 25% in 2026, 40% in 2027, 60% in 2028, 80% in 2029 and 100% in 2030.
Do I have to buy an electric car because of Green Rides?
The rule's duty is on the high-volume companies, not on individual drivers; the fine is charged to the company. It does change how much the companies want EV and WAV drivers, so their offers and dispatch may change.
Is the industry meeting the target?
TLC's 2025 Annual Report says the industry exceeded the 2025 benchmark, consistently dispatching more than 15% of trips to EVs or WAVs. TLC's February 2026 review says the share was consistently above 20%. The 2026 target is 25%.
Does a hybrid count for Green Rides?
No. Only a Zero-Emission Vehicle (no tailpipe emissions, such as battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell) or an Accessible Vehicle counts. A hybrid that is also a wheelchair accessible vehicle counts as accessible.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules Chapter 59, §59D-13(c) (updated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- NYC Rules: Green Rides Initiative (adopted rule, effective Nov 29, 2023) rules.cityofnewyork.us
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions (Zero-Emission Vehicle, Accessible Vehicle) nyc.gov
- TLC 2025 Annual Report, p. 9 nyc.gov
- TLC: February 2026 For-Hire Vehicle License Review, p. 4 nyc.gov
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