Court Rules that New York Residents Can Use eHail “Hail a Taxi Cab” App

The Internet Patrol default featured image
Share the knowledge

A New York court has ruled that Manhattan residents can legally use the e-Hail “hail a cab” app to which the private car-for-hire and livery industry had objected. One of the apps, called the “New York Taxi Cab Riders – NYC Taxi Free” app, from Mphony, is the companion app to the “NY Taxi Cab for Drivers and Service Providers – NYC Taxi for Drivers” app, which New York City taxi cab drivers can run on their iPhones or iPads, and which shows where fares wanting to hail a cab are located. However, recently NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner David Yassky said that Uber would be the service that would participate in a year-long pilot program.

The problem, claimed opponents, was that it would give Yellow Cabs an unfair advantage. Yellow Cabs have traditionally been limited to being hailed by people standing in the street, sticking out their hands, whistling, or otherwise trying to catch a taxi’s attention, or finding a cab at a cab stand. In other words, fares had to interact directly with a cab on the street.

skitched

Now, however, potential fares can arrange for a cab by using the app, in essence flagging a cab that is not within sight, but is within range.

Explained Cira Engeles, who runs a radio dispatched car service, and who is also the spokeswoman for the Livery Base Owners Association, repesenting over 100 livery companies with fleets totalling over 10,000 vehicles, “This will destroy the livelihoods of working-class people in New York.”

The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.

CashApp us Square Cash app link

Venmo us Venmo link

Paypal us Paypal link

ehail-taxis

The inevitable lawsuit followed, and now the court has ruled that a pilot program using the apps can move forward.

“This decision is a victory for all the riders who want to decide for themselves what technologies and services they want to use. The market will ultimately decide which apps rise or fall and we have an obligation to give the riding public that choice.” said Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner David Yassky said.

Get New Internet Patrol Articles by Email!

The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.

CashApp us Square Cash app link

Venmo us Venmo link

Paypal us Paypal link

 


Share the knowledge

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.