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, 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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:05 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:05:36 GMT
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan.
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan. Co-owner Frank Raharinosy showed Rosanna and Greg a few movies. But the real demonstration came from Ro and Greg who went head-to-head at the table.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:11:03 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:22 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:22:34 GMT
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:03 GMT
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:28:08 GMT
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
KTTV FOX 11 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025