New York City will require Uber and Lyft to have zero-emissions fleets by 2030, Mayor Eric Adams said in his State of the City address Thursday.
“That’s zero emissions for over 100,000 vehicles on our city streets. And it will be achieved with no new costs for individual drivers,” Adams said. “We’re pleased that both companies are embracing this shift, and we look forward to working with them to get it done.”
Uber Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications Josh Gold said in an emailed statement that the company applauds the mayor’s ambition to reduce emissions, “an important goal we share.”
“Uber has been making real progress to become the first zero-emissions mobility platform in North America, and there’s much more to do. We look forward to working with the [Taxi & Limousine Commission] to achieve zero-emissions in New York City in a way that benefits drivers, riders, and the city.”
Revel CEO Frank Reig said in a statement following the announcement that the plan to electrify the for-hire vehicle industry “is both doable and essential.”
Adams said the focus on ride-hailing services builds on the city’s recent electric upgrades to its own fleet.
Other priorities Adams raised in Thursday’s address include:
- Appointing a “director of the public realm” to ensure investment in public spaces across the city.
- Creating a permanent version of the pandemic-era Open Restaurants program.
- Launching a climate budgeting process that aligns financial resources with sustainability and resiliency goals.
- Investing $22 million in tenant protection programs.
- Expanding the Big Apple Connect program to reach more New York City Housing Authority developments with free broadband and TV.
- Providing free broadband access to households with Section 8 vouchers via a new pilot program in the Bronx and northern Manhattan.
