Today we recognize and appreciate our school bus drivers for their dedication, patience, and commitment to student safety. Your work makes a difference every single day.

The Transportation Alliance 2025 PAC Dinner

As The Transportation Alliance (TTA) prepares for its 2026 legislative fly-in, one message is clear: transportation policy must prioritize safety, accountability, and smart partnerships that deliver results for riders, businesses, and taxpayers alike. This year’s agenda is not theoretical—it’s grounded in real-world challenges facing the for-hire transportation industry and the communities it serves every day. From passenger safety to healthcare access to protecting small businesses, the Alliance is advancing a focused, solutions-driven policy platform.

Safety Cannot Be Optional

At the top of the list is the C.A.R.E. Act of 2026, a nationwide push to require in-vehicle cameras across all for-hire transportation services. The data is undeniable—drivers face significantly higher risks of violence, and cities that have implemented camera requirements have seen dramatic reductions in assaults and fatalities.

This is about more than technology. It’s about creating a consistent national safety standard that protects both drivers and passengers while strengthening trust in the system.

One Standard for Safety—No Exceptions

TTA is also drawing a firm line on federal safety standards, urging Congress to protect the integrity of the FTA’s drug and alcohol testing framework under 49 CFR Part 655. Expanding exemptions—particularly to rideshare platforms—would create a dangerous two-tier system where safety depends on business model rather than the trip itself. For seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those relying on federally funded transportation, “same trip, same rules” must remain the standard.

Fixing NEMT: Cutting Waste, Protecting Access

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a lifeline for millions, providing over 100 million rides annually. But inefficiencies and outdated systems are costing taxpayers billions. TTA is calling for modernization through technology, accountability, and national standards—measures that can reduce fraud, improve service, and deliver massive savings. Even modest improvements can yield outsized returns, with studies showing double- and even triple-digit ROI when NEMT prevents costly emergency care.

Let the Private Sector Deliver

Finally, TTA is tackling the growing issue of government-operated microtransit systems competing with private providers. The message to policymakers is straightforward: government should be a partner—not a competitor. Contracting with qualified private operators delivers better service, faster innovation, and lower costs. When government focuses on oversight instead of operations, communities win.

A Defining Moment for Transportation Policy

As industry leaders meet with lawmakers, the stakes are high. These priorities are about more than regulation—they are about building a transportation system that is safer, more efficient, and more accountable to the people it serves. The Transportation Alliance is coming to Capitol Hill with real solutions. Now the question is whether policymakers are ready to act.

Find out more about the Legislative Fly-In here

NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn and IATR President Matt Daus

New York City streets have never been safer — but one persistent danger demands our full attention. A small but reckless group of recidivist speeders poses a grave threat to the health and safety of everyone. That is why we, and Mayor Mamdani, support Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) to rein in super speeders and save lives.

Since Vision Zero launched in 2014, New York City has led the nation in combating traffic violence by deploying world-class street design, greater public education, and expanded enforcement efforts. We also recognized that traffic safety is not just a transportation issue, but a health crisis for injured patients and the providers that treat them.

The results of the program are undeniable. One effective intervention, automated traffic enforcement cameras, has reduced speeding by 96% where cameras are installed. The vast majority of drivers stop speeding after one or two camera violations, but a small and extremely reckless group of super speeders flagrantly endanger themselves and everyone around them.

The choice to speed, putting personal convenience ahead of the lives of others, is made from the driver’s seat. That is where we must act next if we are serious about treating traffic violence with the same urgency as other preventable causes of death.

New York City streets have never been safer — but one persistent danger demands our full attention. A small but reckless group of recidivist speeders poses a grave threat to the health and safety of everyone. That is why we, and Mayor Mamdani, support Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) to rein in super speeders and save lives.

Since Vision Zero launched in 2014, New York City has led the nation in combating traffic violence by deploying world-class street design, greater public education, and expanded enforcement efforts. We also recognized that traffic safety is not just a transportation issue, but a health crisis for injured patients and the providers that treat them.

The results of the program are undeniable. One effective intervention, automated traffic enforcement cameras, has reduced speeding by 96% where cameras are installed. The vast majority of drivers stop speeding after one or two camera violations, but a small and extremely reckless group of super speeders flagrantly endanger themselves and everyone around them.

Source: New York Daily News

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Phantom Capacity Tightens US-Mexico Trucking Market, Uber Freight Says

The U.S.-Mexico trucking market is tightening in early 2026, but not in the way traditional freight indicators suggest, according to Uber Freight. Instead of a demand-driven cycle, capacity constraints tied to security, compliance and driver qualification are reshaping how freight moves across the border — creating what one executive described as “phantom capacity.” 

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Why Autonomous Vehicles Are a Lifeline for Neurodiverse Adults

Every morning, Christopher Hamilton makes a choice that most San Franciscans take for granted: how to get where he needs to go. Christopher is an adult with Autism and a participant at The Arc San Francisco, a national nonprofit advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For years, getting around the city for Christopher meant careful planning, heavy reliance on family, and the particular stress of navigating a transit system that does not bend easily to sensory sensitivities and often comes with unexpected delays.

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Nassau, Suffolk Differ on E-Bike Regulations

Legislators in Nassau and Suffolk Counties recently offered differing regulations on electric bicycles, or e-bikes. One county seeks to loosen some restrictions, calling the current laws archaic, while the other county has tightened enforcement on these vehicles. Nassau County Democratic legislators held a press conference on April 27 to announce legislation to update outdated county rules that they say currently subject many riders to unfair fines, confiscation of their property, and confusing enforcement regulations. Under the proposal, Nassau County would legalize most e-bikes and electric scooters already permitted under New York State law, while continuing to prohibit riding on sidewalks and highways — the same commonsense restrictions recognized under state law.

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Toronto Fire Chief Warns about Lithium-Ion Battery Risks after Fire Engulfs Downtown Highrise Balcony

A fire that engulfed a balcony at a downtown Toronto highrise apartment building has led the city's fire chief to repeat a warning about the risks of lithium-ion batteries.

The apartment fire happened at a building on Wellesley Street near Parliament Street around 2:30 p.m. Monday, according to Toronto Fire Services. No injuries were reported.

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Don’t Pay Extra: These Automotive Safety Features Are Mandatory in Canada

On those flashy automaker websites or in glossy sales brochures, you’ll often come across impressive-sounding terminology. When you live in Canada, StabiliTrak sounds like something novel that you really need, right? Well, you do need it, so says the government: StabiliTrak is the General Motors term for electronic stability control, which has been legally required in all vehicles sold in Canada since 2011.

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Canada’s New Auto Lobby Sets USMCA Review As Its Initial Focus

A new Canadian automotive industry association has been launched, and a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be its key initial focus. The Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada will represent Toyota and Honda. The two brands have a significant presence in Canada: In 2025, 77% of vehicles made in Canada were assembled by either Honda of Canada Mfg. or Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, according to research by the Trillium Network.

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London Taxi Chairman Questions Lack of Industry Recognition and Support As Trade Debate Intensifies

Concerns over the lack of recognition for the high levels of taxi services offered have been raised by a senior Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) industry figure, who also questioned whether regulators and policymakers are doing enough to protect the trade.

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eCabs Expands into Bulgaria with Major Taxi Platform Deal

Malta-founded eCabs Technologies has announced a new milestone in its European growth after Bulgaria’s leading taxi operator completed a full migration to its ride-hailing platform.

Volt Premium Taxi, one of the main taxi operators in Sofia, has officially transitioned from the UK-based Sherlock platform to eCabs Technologies. The move means the Maltese company is now powering taxi operations in the Bulgarian capital at a significant moment for the country’s transport market. Bulgaria is currently the only EU member state without major global ride-hailing platforms, although market entry is expected later this year. 

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Is the Fuel Crisis a Catalyst for Europe’s SAF Supply?

Europe’s sustainable aviation fuel industry might be at a turning point. Key environmental legislation for aviation is in the spotlight against the backdrop of the Iran conflict and the related fuel crisis, which could be a much-needed catalyst for the lagging industry.

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From Australia to Vietnam, the Iran War Is Fueling Demand for EVs

Until recently, Rosco Jewell sold about one used electric vehicle every two months on his online marketplace, Amazing EV. But in the weeks since the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran, Jewell has been shifting a second-hand EV roughly every two weeks. “It is now getting very hard to find used EVs to buy in the $20,000 to $50,000 range.

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Toyota Airbag Recall: 39% of Affected Vehicles in South Africa Still Unrepaired

Toyota South Africa Motors has renewed its call  for vehicle owners to respond to the long-running Takata airbag recall, warning that thousands of affected cars on South African roads remain unrepaired. The issue affects drivers and passengers across Gauteng and nationally, with the company confirming that 39% of impacted  vehicles have not yet undergone the necessary safety replacement. This matters now because defective airbags can deploy with excessive force, posing a risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. The recall, first issued in 2015, remains one of the largest automotive safety interventions globally.

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Maharashtra’s Marathi Rule for Drivers Faces Delay, Govt Assures No Livelihood Impact

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced that auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers must know basic Marathi from May 1 to operate in the state, with the aim of improving passenger communication. The move triggered concerns among non-Marathi speaking drivers, leading to calls for protests and demands for more time. Following discussions, the government has indicated flexibility with a possible phased implementation, while assuring that no driver’s livelihood will be affected.

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Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director of Together for Safer Roads; Jasmine Alice; Eric Richardson, Membership Director of IATR; Ann Marie Knegt; Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer and NYC DCAS Deputy Commissioner; and Alex Epstein, Senior Engineer at the Surface Transportation System Safety Division of the US DOT Volpe Center.

At its core, the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) is an educational organization dedicated to facilitating the exchange of information and best practices among government agencies responsible for licensing, regulating, or contracting with for-hire ground transportation and emerging mobility services.

IATR also functions as a central resource for professionals representing a diverse spectrum of mobility services, including for-hire vehicles, paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation, micro-transit and micro-mobility solutions, buses and motor coaches, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), autonomous vehicles and robotaxis, delivery robots and last-mile logistics, drones and flying taxis, car sharing, pedicabs, and technology firms. The association informs members about current and prospective regulations, their implications for business operations, and encourages learning from international partners.

Recently, Eric Richardson, Membership Director of IATR, visited London, England for an international sharing of best practices, to learn more about new regulations affecting the for-hire vehicle industry, and to hear from leaders in livery, waste hauling, government fleet operations, and sustainable transport.

Matt Daus, President of IATR, said, “IATR was honored to support London Fleet Vision and Together for Safer Roads on their annual UK conference, and we look forward to continued collaboration with our European/UK Regulators Group in the coming years. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Peter Goldwasser of TSR, who serves on the IATR advisory board, and to our tireless IATR membership director Eric Richardson for their dedication to this impactful event that aims to help fleet owners save lives.”

Asher Moses, Founder and CEO of The Sherbet Electric Taxi Company; and Matt Daus, President of IATR

From Left: Matt Daus with Dewi Lane, Senior Bid Manager of Suez Recycling and Recovery, SUEZ; John Granby, Chief Commercial Officer of Our Net Energy; Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association; Asher Moses, Founder and CEO of The Sherbet Electric Taxi Company; and Steve Wright, Chair of the Licensed Private Hire Car Association

During his visit, Eric engaged with officials from Transport for London and the City of London's transportation team, owners of for-hire vehicle companies like The Sherbet Electric Taxi Company, and held discussions on technology and partnerships with firms including Ono, TrueDNA, and Blackout Technologies. He also met with world leaders in fleet safety, including Global NCAP, the FIA Foundation, and Together for Safer Roads.

While in London, Eric was formally admitted into the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, in a ceremony attended by Master Andrew Miles, the full court of the company, and representatives from the City of London, the City of New York, Together for Safer Roads, and Fleet Vision International. The Worshipful Company of Carmen, established in 1517, is among the oldest and largest livery companies within the City of London, boasting over 600 members dedicated to charitable initiatives.

The Carmen represent a diverse spectrum within the transport and logistics sector, consistently fostering fellowship among professionals both within the industry and across various disciplines. The Worshipful Company of Carmen supports and advances the profession through benevolence and its longstanding tradition of fellowship, assisting the sector as it adapts to evolving demands and challenges in transportation.

During the trip, Eric participated in the Fleet Vision International Forum and Awards. The forum featured presentations from prominent figures in transport, sustainability, and road safety, including NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman; Nicola Bernadini, Fleet Operations Specialist for Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026; Ross Paterson, Head of Special Trucks at Daimler Truck UK; Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director of Together for Safer Roads; Luca Pascotto, Head of Road Safety and Global Advocacy at FIA; and Geraint Davies, UK Director of Partnerships at the Road Haulage Association.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations within the transportation sector who have significantly contributed to advancements in sustainable transportation, road safety, technology, and industry promotion. IATR extends its congratulations to NYC Chief Fleet Officer and Deputy Commissioner of DCAS, Keith Kerman, for receiving agency recognition and being awarded “Best Road Safety Strategy” for the Safe Fleet Transition Plan. This plan highlights vehicle design improvements such as high-vision truck cabs and truck sideguards, alongside technologies including intelligent speed assistance, surround cameras, and automatic pedestrian braking.

Additionally, IATR acknowledges Renee Rogers and Ono for their inclusion in the final round of voting in the categories of Industry Personality of the Year and Fleet Product or Service of the Year.

As part of the visit, Asher Moses, founder of Sherbet The Electric Taxi Company, Eric, and Renee Rogers discussed the future of the private hire taxi industry, the changing regulatory landscape and dealing with congestion pricing, road use fees, low emission zones, and more within the London environment. They also discussed new technologies inside the cab that make drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users safer and help address infrastructure and road condition defects. This visit also included a tour of their brand-new facility, including dispatch, electric vehicle charging, repair and maintenance, and vehicle detailing and wrapping. Asher mentioned the need for more technicians and service workers who want to work in the industry, are trained to do so, and how we need programs to ensure the workers of the future are educated in electric vehicle systems, computer technology, calibrating sensor and camera systems, and advanced vehicle systems that power ADAS and AVs.

IATR is happy to announce that we will see both Asher and Renee at the IATR annual conference that will be taking place in Las Vegas from September 14 to 17. We look forward to working with Asher to get one of his taxis to Vegas for this important event.

Renee Rogers, Founder and CEO of Ono; Eric Richardson; and Asher Moses, Founder and CEO of The Sherbet Electric Taxi Company

The trip was rounded out as Eric joined NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman and US DOT Volpe’s Alex Epstein at the Transport for London offices for a three hour discussion on transportation related topics affecting livery drivers, bus drivers, lorry (truck) operators, and vunerable road users in London and beyond.

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