NYC’s struggling commuter van industry is getting a much-needed financial boost to help offset high insurance costs and invest in safety and technology upgrades.

Empire State Development (ESD), a New York economic development organization, announced on Monday that it provided more than $2 million through its Commuter Van Stabilization Program (CVSP), launched in September 2024, to help drivers in the often-overlooked commuter van industry in NYC.

Commuter vans provide pre-arranged transportation to passengers in the city. Licensed by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), they are authorized to operate within specific geographic areas, usually in neighborhoods underserved by public transportation.

However, the industry is experiencing challenges, including a decline in the number

See Full Page