New NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission commissioner Midori Valdivia says driver feedback, airport enforcement, rideshare oversight, and street design concerns will help shape TLC priorities.

New York City’s new Taxi and Limousine Commission commissioner says driver feedback will play a larger role in the agency’s decisions as taxi drivers continue to deal with changing street conditions, airport enforcement concerns, rideshare competition, and ongoing financial pressure across the industry.

Midori Valdivia recently stepped into the commissioner role after previously working at the TLC nearly a decade ago. She returns to the agency during a period when many drivers are still dealing with the long-term impact of declining medallion values and major changes across the city’s transportation system.

“We’re talking about 180,000 drivers who contribute to New York’s economy, who raise children here, who love the city and really want to be ambassadors to this city,” Valdivia said.

Driver Feedback Becomes A Bigger Focus

Since taking over the role, Valdivia said she has already launched a driver survey and started a listening tour across the city to hear directly from drivers about the issues affecting day-to-day operations on the road.

According to Valdivia, the administration’s priorities include giving drivers a stronger voice in transportation policy discussions while also focusing on accountability and dignity across the industry.

“Both the passenger and the driver have to feel good about their ride,” she said. “That includes anything from pay to ‘do I have bathroom access’ to ‘did I get charged the right rate.’”

The issues being raised go far beyond fares alone. Drivers continue bringing attention to traffic changes, airport operations, long work hours, enforcement concerns, and how app-based competition continues affecting traditional taxi work throughout the city.

Airport Enforcement And Unlicensed Activity Remain Concerns

Valdivia also pointed to ongoing problems involving airport pickups, illegal solicitation activity, and transportation operators working outside established rules.

“We are having an issue right now around hustling at the airports, people who are licensed, people who have, frankly, who don’t follow the rules,” she said. “And there are reports out there about scamming.”

Her background at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey could also influence how the agency approaches airport-related enforcement moving forward.

Airport trips remain an important source of steady fares for many licensed taxi drivers, especially during peak travel periods and business travel hours.

Street Design Changes Continue to Affect Taxi Drivers

Another issue raised during conversations with drivers involves changing street layouts and traffic patterns across New York City.

Valdivia said drivers have expressed frustration over roadway adjustments happening without enough communication from city agencies or enough input from drivers who spend entire shifts navigating those streets daily.

“I’ve seen drivers come to me and say, ‘Can you do something about the fact that we don’t really have a voice in street design? What’s happening on the streets? We don’t know,” said Valdivia. “One day it’s the street, and then it looks a little bit different.”

Those concerns can directly affect yellow cab drivers who rely heavily on street hails and consistent traffic flow through busy pickup areas.

Rideshare Oversight Continues Drawing Attention

While the TLC does not directly control rideshare pricing, Valdivia said the agency still has responsibility for enforcing safety and operational standards tied to licensed transportation activity.

She also raised concerns about unregulated rideshare activity operating outside TLC oversight.

“They’re putting out there, kind of a message, right. That may be they’re good for workers,” said Valdivia. “But at the same time, I know that from an insurance perspective, from a driver-pay perspective… I can’t tell the general public that it is safe.”

The discussion comes as taxi drivers continue pushing for stronger enforcement and more consistent oversight across the city’s passenger transportation industry.

Valdivia also pointed to the city’s new 250th anniversary taxi medallion design as a symbol connected to the future of New York transportation as the TLC continues balancing modernization efforts with long-standing industry concerns.