Empire State Development
New York State’s economic development agency. Program funder and oversight authority for CVSP.
Affordable Commercial Auto Insurance for NYC Commuter Vans
Funded by Empire State Development and administered by Dollaride, the CVSP helps operators afford TLC-compliant insurance and safety upgrades with subsidies up to $40,000 per year.
Program Overview
What Is the Commuter Van Stabilization Program?
A New York State initiative designed to support and stabilize the commuter van industry by making operations safer, legal, and sustainable.
Reducing Insurance Costs
Substantially lowering the barrier to entry for commercial auto insurance.
Funding Safety Upgrades
Covering costs for technology that reduces risk and improves safety.
Continuous Coverage
Helping operators maintain legal insurance without gaps.
Why CVSP Matters for NYC Communities
Commuter vans play a critical role in connecting underserved neighborhoods to jobs, schools, healthcare, and transit hubs. Many of these routes are not well served by traditional public transit.
- Keep trusted commuter van services on the road
- Support legal, insured operations over informal trips
- Improve passenger safety and reliability
- Support small business owners serving disadvantaged communities
Program Benefits & Subsidies
Direct financial support to keep you compliant and safe.
CVSP Insurance Subsidy
Up to $40,000
/year
Commercial auto insurance is often the biggest barrier to legal operation. We help pay for TLC-compliant commuter van insurance.
- Subsidies go directly to your broker/insurer or as reimbursement.
- Funds help activate or renew policies on time.
- Ensures continuous compliance with TLC rules.
*Eligible for existing licensed operators and those in process.
Safety & Tech Upgrades
Up to $10,000
reimbursed
Lower risk and improve safety with reimbursed upgrades. Must use licensed vendors and provide official invoices.
- ADAS Systems
- Seat Belts
- Safety Signage
- Dash Cams
- GPS Tracking
- Emergency Kits
*Eligible for existing licensed operators and those in process.
Down Payment Assistance for Uninsured Operators
Currently uninsured? We provide down payment assistance to help you activate a new policy and start operating legally. Funds are paid directly to insurance brokers.
Who Is Eligible?
Whether you are already licensed or working toward it, CVSP can help.
To qualify for subsidies, you must:
- Have a TLC Commuter Van License (or proof you’re in process)
- Provide all required documentation
- Work with a licensed insurance broker
- Meet Empire State Development (ESD) eligibility criteria
- Transitioning from informal operation? If you’ve been operating “informally” and want to become legal, the CVSP is specifically designed to make that transition financially possible.
How to Apply
A simple 4-step process to get funded.
Step 1
Apply Online
Submit your application using the secure CVSP portal. It's fully online and designed for busy operators.
Start Application →
Step 2
Submit Documents
Provide documents related to your van, TLC status, and insurance. Missing something? The team will send a secure upload link.
Step 3
Review
Our teams review the application. You'll get an immediate email confirmation and status updates.
Step 4
Approval & Funding
Insurance subsidies go to your broker. Upgrade reimbursements come to you after proof of payment.
Need help with your application?
Who Leads the Program?
Program Administrator
Clean mobility and transit tech company. Provides application support, communication, and reporting.
Grant Administration
Impact-driven management consulting firm. Handles screening, fraud monitoring, and grant disbursement.
Start Your CVSP Application Today
You keep the city moving. CVSP helps you stay insured, legal, and on the road. Don’t wait—funding is available now.
