In TLC rules, a Fleet is a taxi business big enough to run its own garage. The official definition (35 RCNY 51-03, repeated in 58-03(n)) says it is "a Business Entity organized for the purpose of owning or operating Taxicabs" that:
- "Controls a minimum of 25 Taxicabs";
- "has a single business location that is adequate for the storage, maintenance, repair and dispatch of the Fleet Taxicabs and the storage and maintenance of records";
- "operates with a dispatcher on the premises at least 18 hours every day, who assigns Drivers to Fleet Taxicabs."
For a driver, a fleet is "the garage": you come in, a dispatcher gives you a cab for the shift, and you bring it back at the end.
Fleet, minifleet, agent, independent owner
People say "fleet" loosely. The rules use four different words:
Sources: Chapter 51 definitions and Chapter 58. A minifleet "often" contracts with a fleet for daily storage and dispatch, TLC's definition says, so the garage you visit may run cabs that belong to several minifleets. More on ownership classes: corporate (minifleet) medallion and medallion agent.
Where drivers meet the term
- The Bill of Rights poster. Fleets, agents and meter shops must post the Driver Bill of Rights where drivers pay (TLC owners page). The fleet version, titled "Daily & Weekly Taxicab Driver Bill of Rights", lists the shift caps: $105 for a day shift, $115–$129 for a night shift depending on the day, $630/$737 a week (poster). Full tables: taxi lease caps.
- Allowed extras. A credit card surcharge of up to $7 a shift or $49 a week, a late return charge of up to $25 an hour, a gas surcharge if the fleet supplies the gas, and a few others. The fleet must not charge you for service and maintenance or ask for tips.
- Spare cabs. Only fleets may use stand-by vehicles.
- Summonses. Shift-record and lease rules are owner duties. If a summons names the fleet rather than you, decode it with the summons decoder.
Related: rate card · off duty · roof light · medallions hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is a taxi fleet under TLC rules?
A business organized to own or operate taxis that controls at least 25 taxicabs, has one business location adequate for storing, maintaining, repairing and dispatching them and keeping records, and has a dispatcher on site at least 18 hours every day who assigns drivers to cabs (35 RCNY 51-03 and 58-03(n)).
Is a minifleet the same as a fleet?
No. A minifleet is a business licensed to own and operate two or more taxis. TLC's definition notes that minifleets often contract with a fleet for daily storage and dispatch.
What does a fleet have to give me as a shift driver?
A written lease, receipts for every payment, and a lease price within TLC's caps: for example $105 for a 12-hour day shift on a standard car. Service and maintenance of the car are included and can't be charged to you.
Does a fleet have to keep records of my shifts?
Yes. Fleet and minifleet owners must keep, for three years, a record of every shift: driver name, TLC license number, plate, medallion number, time out and exact time back (58-24(b)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions (Fleet, Minifleet) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (58-03(n), 58-21, 58-24, 58-42) nyc.gov
- TLC: Daily & Weekly Taxicab Driver Bill of Rights (poster) nyc.gov
- TLC: Medallion Owners and Agents nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.