Uber, Lyft Face New Limits As NYC Council Advances Driver Protections

NEW YORK, NY — A New York City Council committee voted unanimously to advance legislation that would restrict when ride-hailing companies can deactivate drivers on Wednesday.

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted 9–0 to re-adopt Introduction 276-A, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan. The bill would prohibit high-volume for-hire vehicle services from deactivating drivers unless there is just cause, a bona fide economic reason or a legal requirement.

The legislation affects an estimated 100,000 Uber and Lyft drivers citywide, city council data reported.

The bill was first passed by the full City Council in December, but vetoed by the city’s former Mayor Eric Adams.

Wednesday’s vote sends the measure back to the council for final consideration.

Committee Chair Shaun Abreu, who presided over the hearing, said the legislation seeks to balance driver protections with public safety and accountability.

“This bill ensures that drivers and passengers are protected while also putting proper processes in place to address any misconduct or abuse,” Abreu said.

During the hearing, Krishnan said drivers had long faced sudden deactivations without notice or a clear explanation.

In an interview with Patch following the vote, Krishnan said the issue was repeatedly raised by drivers in his district, which includes Jackson Heights, a hub for taxi and app-based drivers and home to the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

“This was the biggest issue facing drivers in the city,” Krishnan said, describing the effort as a multi-year fight that faced opposition before gaining enough support to pass the council.