N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 6-202: § 6-202 Stage and omnibus routes forbidden until franchise obtained.

It shall be unlawful for any omnibus route or routes for public use, or any alteration or extension thereof, or any alteration or extension of any existing stage or omnibus route to be operated in or upon any street within the city until and unless a franchise or right therefor shall be obtained from the board of estimate in like manner as, and subject to the limitations and conditions relating to, franchises or rights provided and imposed by the charter and the code.