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.

N.Y. Representative Laura Gillen (center) with (L to R) Jeff Rose of Attitude New York, NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine, NLA Director Doug Schwartz of Executive Transportation, and Rosina Rubin of Attitude New York

More than 70 members representing dozens of states convened in Washington, D.C., to speak with officials on Capitol Hill as part of the National Limousine Association’s (NLA) Day on the Hill this past April 14-15. This annual two-day event, which was also attended by CD President Chris Weiss, is the association’s flagship advocacy effort that includes members.

Day one was spent building a foundation for attendees, including examining core issues impacting the industry. Working in conjunction with its longtime lobbying firm, Cornerstone Government Affairs, the NLA identified several legislative priorities that are affecting operators nationwide to discuss during their Congressional meetings. Of course, skyrocketing insurance rates continue to be a major pain point.

Among the event’s top priorities:

Insurance, Insurance, Insurance: The NLA highlighted the crisis in affordable insurance driven by fraud, staged accidents, litigation costs, and regulatory inefficiencies, which threaten small operators’ viability despite strong safety records. The association supports the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act to criminalize staged crashes (especially commercial vehicles where companies have larger policies).

Passenger Safety and Industry Integrity: Concerns over sexual assaults involving TNC drivers have prompted calls for federal oversight, transparency, and safety standards. The NLA advocates for a federal framework to improve passenger safety, building on Sami’s Law to establish enforceable safety standards and accountability measures for for-hire and app-based transportation providers.

Tax Policy and Business Support: The NLA emphasized the importance of tax policies, including the No Tax on Tips policy, to aid workforce retention and recruitment, and urged the expedited issuance of clearer guidance from the IRS. Additionally, the NLA called for enhancements to Section 179 deductions, allowing small businesses to fully deduct vehicle purchases to encourage investment in safer, modern vehicles essential for industry competitiveness.

Representative Richie Torres addressed attendees

Cornerstone staff also provided updates on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections—where all House representatives and 35 Senators are up for reelection or replacement—as well as the latest progress on the Tax and Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act and other political rumbles on the Hill. They also offered tips on how to lobby Congress, as the meetings were scheduled for the following day. NLA members also heard directly from Reps. Richie Torres (N.Y.-15) and Laura Gillen (N.Y.-4), who both expressed their support for the industry and listened as members voiced their concerns.

“We had the opportunity to educate lawmakers and staff on the unique role our industry plays in local economies, public safety, tourism, and business travel,” wrote NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Transportation in his weekly President’s Letter. “The initial response from these meetings was very encouraging. We heard thoughtful questions, saw genuine interest, and received positive feedback on our professionalism and preparedness. Many offices expressed a willingness to continue the conversation and explore ways to support issues important to our members.”

Source: Chauffeur Driven

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The NLA and the University Transportation Research Center have continued to elevate the industry’s insurance crisis through their September 2025 report, Curbing the Limousine Insurance Crisis, authored by Matt Daus. The report’s findings reinforce what operators conveyed on Capitol Hill, documenting widespread premium increases despite strong safety records and limited claims activity. Drawing on national survey data, it highlights how rising costs - driven by fraud, litigation, and regulatory inefficiencies - are placing disproportionate strain on small and mid-sized operators.

The report also outlines a comprehensive path forward, combining near-term operational strategies with longer-term regulatory and legal reforms to stabilize premiums and restore balance to the market. Its continued visibility in national and trade media reflects a coordinated effort by the NLA and its partners to translate industry concerns into actionable policy solutions, positioning the report as a roadmap for preserving the viability and competitiveness of the chauffeured transportation sector.

Click Here to Read the Full Report

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Robotaxi Is Hitting LA Streets

The first Volkswagen ID. Buzz robotaxis have hit the streets of Los Angeles for on-road testing, with hundreds slated to start roaming the City of Angels before hitting the Uber app in late 2026. The move is part of Volkswagen Group’s partnership with ride-hailing giant Uber, which was announced last April. The cars are outfitted with all the necessary automated driving hardware by the VW Group’s MOIA subsidiary, which develops autonomous mobility technology.

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NJ, NY Representatives Join Call for FIFA to Subsidize World Cup Transit

Rep. Nellie Pou and Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey joined Rep. Jerry Nadler and Rep. Dan Goldman of New York in writing a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding the organization subsidize the transit costs in New Jersey.

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The Trump Administration Is Withholding NY Transportation Funds, Again. NY's Suing, Again.

New York officials are suing the Trump administration to recover more than $73 million in highway funding, in a fight over noncitizens’ access to commercial drivers licenses. It’s the latest of several battles between the federal government and New York over transportation — with courts repeatedly smacking down the Trump administration’s attempts to hold back funding over policy disputes. State Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul filed the suit in federal court Friday.

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Vancouver Ranked One of the Most Walkable Cities in the World

While a number of major transportation projects are underway around the region, a new ranking has named Vancouver as one of the best cities in the world for getting around on your own two feet. British media company TimeOut just released its list of the world’s most walkable cities in 2026, and Vancouver was the only Canadian spot to make the cut. The rankings were determined as part of TimeOut’s 10th anniversary survey, with 24,000 respondents sharing the ease with which one can explore their city on foot. 

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Bank Street Bus-Only Lanes Coming to the Glebe in 2027

Ottawa city council has approved an approximately $2 million plan to launch a combination of permanent and trial-run bus-only lanes on some curbside stretches of Bank Street in the Glebe starting next summer. Starting June 1, 2027, four permanent 24-hour bus lanes will go between Fourth and Woodlawn avenues. A 12-month pilot project will also see some stretches of curbside lanes in the neighbourhood reserved for buses during peak periods on weekdays: between 7:00 a.m. and 9 a.m. going north toward downtown and between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. going south. 

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Port of Québec Gains ‘First Port of Arrival’ Status, Expanding CBSA Border Services

The Government of Canada has formally designated the Port of Québec as a “first port of arrival,” meaning the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will clear international marine containers directly in Québec City for the first time. Announced on April 24 2026 by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Québec Lieutenant Joël Lightbound, the move is part of a broader CA$1.3 billion federal border-modernisation plan aimed at diversifying trade routes and reducing pressure on Montréal and Halifax.

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Minister Says No Legal Definition of Operating Bases for Private Hire Firms in “Archaic, Fragmented And Inconsistent” Licensing Regime

The UK Government has confirmed that “an ‘operating base’ is not defined in law” and that no formal guidance has been issued to licensing authorities, leaving a key element of private hire regulation open to interpretation as digital platforms reshape the sector. In a written parliamentary response on 22 April 2026, Lilian Greenwood stated: “No guidance has been issued on this matter. An ‘operating base’ is not defined in law. All guidance is kept under review and the need for any amendments or additions considered.”

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“A Completely Different Turkey”: Deputy Minister Pushes Domestic ITS Ambitions

Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure has reiterated the government’s push for domestically developed intelligent transport systems (ITS) at the 17th ITS European Congress in Istanbul. In his keynote address, Ömer Fatih Sayan outlined efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology in transport and other industries, linking the strategy to Turkey’s geographic position between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

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Private Tolling of Istanbul Bridges Moves Closer as Brisa Reportedly in Talks

Turkey is planning to privatise the operating rights of two of Istanbul’s most iconic — and heavily trafficked — Bosphorus crossings, triggering a significant political debate over the future of the country’s transport infrastructure. Bloomberg reported in February that EY had been hired to advise on the sale of operating rights for the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, which link Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.

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Commerce Minister Goyal Launches 'Bharat Taxi' Auto, Cab Service Onboarding Programme

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched the 'Bharat Taxi' auto-rickshaw and cab driver onboarding programme and application in Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said the initiative was designed to improve the lives of drivers. "There has always been concern about lakhs of drivers who work tirelessly every day. This initiative was designed to directly improve their lives," noted the Lok Sabha MP from North Mumbai. More than 500 auto-rickshaw and cab drivers, along with representatives of transport unions and cooperative bodies, were present at the launch event held at Kandivali (West).

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Geely Introduces China’s First Purpose-Built Robotaxi

Geely, Afari Technology, and CaoCao Mobility have joined forces to unveil China’s first purpose-built robotaxi prototype at the Beijing Auto Show. Dubbed the EVA Cab, it previews a Level 4 autonomous vehicle that is planned for mass production and commercial operation in 2027. Looking kinda like a modern day version of the Fiat Multipla, the EVA Cab has a shark nose front end, high-mounted headlights, and an integrated messaging board. The futuristic design continues further back as the MPV has streamlined bodywork and electric sliding doors with flush-mounted handles.

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Sheikh Hamdan Reviews RTA's New Smart Mobility Projects in Dubai

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has reviewed a set of new transport projects aimed at making travel across the city smoother, safer and more sustainable.

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Image: GMA News Online

Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines on Friday called for the passage of a measure that will institutionalize the motorcycle taxi sector, saying the government’s pilot study on motorcycle taxis has been running for almost a decade.

In a statement, MC Taxi Community chairman Romeo Maglunsod said that any motorcycle taxi law must recognize the industry as part of the gig economy and must be anchored on the rights and interests of gig workers.

“Any action from Congress must ensure the protection of the livelihoods of thousands of riders who work every day to provide for their families,” Maglunsod said. 

The group is recommending that franchises or accreditation be granted directly to individual riders, similar to the model used for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, instead of placing riders under platform-held franchises.

Source: GMA News Online

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