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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:07:13 GMT
Christal wore a Jacket by "Hazel" from Midnight Farm in Martha's vineyard.It cost, $199 Her top, Skirt and Shoes, were all from Zara and cost $89 each. www.midnightfarm.net www.zara.com Men's tie
Christal wore a Jacket by "Hazel" from Midnight Farm in Martha's vineyard.It cost, $199 Her top, Skirt and Shoes, were all from Zara and cost $89 each. www.midnightfarm.net www.zara.com Men's tie
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:46:33 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:40:31 GMT
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graced the set of GDNY on Wednesday.
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graced the set of GDNY on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:36:30 GMT
New mom Vanessa Lachey is starring in the upcoming FOX TV show, 'Dads,' airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. starting in the fall. Despite a busy schedule, he's taking time out to promote the Everyday Effect campaign in New York City on Wednesday. Pop-up beauty, grooming, oral care, home and pet care services using P&G products will be provided throughout the day.
New mom Vanessa Lachey is starring in the upcoming FOX TV show, 'Dads,' airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. starting in the fall. Despite a busy schedule, he's taking time out to promote the Everyday Effect campaign in New York City on Wednesday. Pop-up beauty, grooming, oral care, home and pet care services using P&G products will be provided throughout the day.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:51:52 GMT
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:28:14 GMT
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:07:14 GMT
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:59 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:59:58 GMT
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
