California Air Resources Board

Driver Fact Sheet Purpose

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an overview of the Clean Miles Standard as well as assist transportation network company (TNC) drivers with understanding the resources and incentives to help transition into zero-emission vehicles. 

What is the Clean Miles Standard Program?

The Clean Miles Standard Program, also known as CMS, is a regulation developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger ride-hailing services operated by TNCs such as Uber and Lyft. With CARB’s vehicle emissions expertise and authority and the CPUC’s authority over TNC permits in the state, the Clean Miles Standard is a joint effort to gradually increase zero-emission vehicles used by TNC drivers and reduce GHG emissions. The regulation establishes zero-emission vehicle miles traveled targets and GHG emission reduction targets that TNCs are required to meet. 

Who is subject to CMS?

The regulation applies to passenger ride-hailing services operated by TNCs with more than 5 million annual vehicle miles traveled. 

How Can TNCs Comply with CMS?

The regulation provides various pathways the companies may use to meet the zero-emission and GHG emission reduction targets. These targets can be met through using cleaner vehicles, increasing vehicle occupancy, decreasing deadheading, investing in active transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks and bikeways, and facilitating connections to transit. 

Why is CMS needed?

CMS is a regulation required by Senate Bill 1014 (Skinner), which was passed in 2018. The transportation sector, including all passenger cars and light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, off-road vehicles, and the fuels needed to power them, is responsible for more than half of California’s GHG emissions. It is also responsible for the majority of smog-causing pollutants and is a significant source of toxic air contaminants that directly impact community health, the environment, and the economy. These emissions disproportionally impact low-income communities and communities of color. The CMS regulation ensures that TNCs become cleaner. 

How Does CMS Affect TNC Drivers?

CMS requires TNCs to ensure that a substantial portion of vehicles operating on the platform are zero-emission. This means more drivers on the platform will need to purchase or lease zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). 

What Resources are Available to TNC Drivers Switching to Electric Vehicles?

CARB, as well as federal, regional and local agencies have guides, tools, and funding available to assist with purchasing or leasing zero-emission vehicles and accessing vehicle chargers. Below are some tools drivers can use to learn more about the cost of purchasing or leasing zero-emission vehicles. 

In addition to state and federal funding, TNC drivers may be able to leverage future incentives through a potential Drivers Assistance Program to support the purchase or lease of zero-emission vehicles and vehicle charging infrastructure. To learn more about the Drivers Assistance Program, visit Clean Miles Standard (ca.gov). 

Clean Car Buying Guides

Whether you are looking to save money or reduce smog and GHGs in your community, knowing the environmental impact of the vehicles you are shopping for will help. CARB’s Drive Clean website allows you to compare vehicles and understand what state and local incentive programs you may be eligible for. To learn more, visit: driveclean.ca.gov. 

Access Clean California

Access Clean California is a targeted outreach platform that provides drivers living in underinvested communities a streamlined application webtool called the Benefits Finder to help them find and apply for clean transportation and mobility incentives. To learn more visit: accesscleanca.org. 

Incentives

• To view California incentive programs, visit:  Purchase Incentives | California Air Resources Board
• To view zero emission vehicles and local and state incentives eligibility, visit:  DriveClean | Clean Car Buying Guide
• To view incentives for low- and medium-income drivers, visit:  Home | Access Clean California

How to Get Involved

To learn more about the Clean Miles Standard, go here.

To learn more about CARB incentive programs, please sign up for our listserve.

Contact Us

Email the project team at: cleancars@arb.ca.gov for questions about the Clean Miles Standard.