Hailing a cab in New York City is about to become a high-tech experience.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a pilot program Thursday for cab drivers that allows them to accept hails using a smartphone application.
The cabbie who first accepts the virtual hail from a passenger would pick that person up and no one else.
"The driver gets a signal, if they want to pick you up, they tap their phone. You'll see the cab number and will find out the time it will take the driver to get to you," TLC Commissioner David Yassky told GDNY.
In cities where the app program has been used, cabbies were reportedly able to nearly double their fares.
Some of the cons to using the plan is cab drivers and riders cannot, legally, have pre-arranged rides.
Also, there is a concern over the safety of a driver who is using a handheld cellular device while behind the wheel.
"The phone will be mounted on the dashboard. Our rules call for them accepting the fare with just one tap," said Yassky.
The pilot program begins Feb. 15, 2013.
In August, a mobile application called ZabKab was introduced that let people hail a cab using GPS. Approximately 1,000 Taxi and Limousine Commission cab drivers were hooked up to the service which its creators say is in compliance with TLC regulations. Taxi drivers pay between $9.95 and $14.95 per month.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:11:28 GMT
NY Post celebrity real estate columnist Jennifer Gould Keil dishes on NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez's Florida pad and actor Bill Murray's Greenwich Village duplex.
NY Post celebrity real estate columnist Jennifer Gould Keil dishes on NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez's Florida pad and actor Bill Murray's Greenwich Village duplex.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:05:22 GMT
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg gave it a go on Thursday.
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg gave it a go on Thursday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:18:13 GMT
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life.
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life. Romero met U.S. Army Lt. Ryan Waldorf, 23, this week for the first time. The pair and the doctor who treated Romero visited the set of Good Day NY on Wednesday to discuss the successful operation.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:08:45 GMT
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
