Can a Paratransit Driver Drive a Green Cab?

Yes, but only an accessible one. TLC rule 80-05 says the holder of a valid Paratransit Driver License "is authorized ONLY to drive an Accessible Street Hail Livery" — a green cab that is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. While you drive it, you must meet chapter 80's eligibility requirements and follow every chapter 80 rule, just like a TLC Driver License holder. A regular, non-accessible green cab, a yellow taxi or an app car needs a TLC Driver License.

What rule 80-05 says

Rule 80-05, "Paratransit Driver Authorization to Drive a Street Hail Livery," allows a paratransit driver to drive a Street Hail Livery (green cab) for hire, subject to chapter 80, including:

• the paratransit driver meets the eligibility requirements of chapter 80, and
• complies with all requirements of chapter 80 while operating the green cab,

but (a) only an accessible street hail livery, and (b) all chapter 80 requirements apply while operating it.

TLC's definitions (chapter 51) describe an Accessible Street Hail Livery as one that must be used with a TLC-approved vehicle designed or altered to carry people in wheelchairs, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The green cab rules (chapter 82, §82-03(c)) also define a green cab "Driver" as a TLC Driver License holder or a paratransit driver driving an accessible street hail livery.

Paratransit license vs TLC Driver License

Sources: TLC's Driver License FAQ (three license types), the paratransit license page, and the TLC driver license and Driver Education pages.

The rules follow you into the green cab

That means the green cab rules are your rules while you drive one: where you may pick up street hails, meters and fares, service refusal, and the taxi stand rules. Read who can pick up where in NYC and can green cabs pick up in Manhattan before your first shift.

Keep your paratransit license valid. Rule 80-11(a)(2) says a paratransit driver must not operate an accessible green cab while the paratransit license is revoked, suspended or expired: $350 for a first violation, $500 for a second within 36 months, and revocation for a third.

Green cab WAV rules in brief

The vehicle side belongs to the owner. A green cab is a for-hire or paratransit vehicle with a street hail livery (SHL) permit (see SHL). Chapter 82 has extra provisions for accessible green cabs that are also paratransit vehicles. For example, they must also follow New York State marking rules, and the state rules win if the two conflict (§82-33(m)). Permits, accessible-vehicle options and costs are in the green cab SHL permit guide.

What to do next

• Find an owner or base with an accessible green cab and confirm in writing that the vehicle is licensed as an accessible SHL.
• Re-read chapter 80's green cab rules; they are not the same as paratransit service.
• If you want to drive any green cab, a yellow cab or app cars, apply for a TLC Driver License; see how to get a TLC license.
• More on your license: paratransit drivers. Unsure which license fits? Try which TLC license do I need.