NYC cabbies could have cellphone use blocked while driving... but probably not
By Laura June 
posted April 14th 2009 8:36PM
posted April 14th 2009 8:36PM
The Taxi and Limousine Commission of New York City (also known as the TLC) is considering some changes to the way that taxis and their drivers will operate in the future as part of its "Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program." Among the wild ideas being floated is one that would "block" anyone in the front seat from using a cellphone -- most notably, of course -- the driver. Driving while using a handset is already illegal in New York, but this measure would apparently kill the ability to use a hands-free device as well. The TLC is trying to have an open discussion with New Yorkers on its website about other possible ways to make taxi rides more... enjoyable "in the future." We're betting this one will never happen but hey -- you never know. Our suggestion? Stop acting like we asked you to cart us to the gates of hell when we tell you we need to go to Brooklyn.
[Via WCBS]
[Via WCBS]
I never minded cellphone use. What I do mind is them picking up another fare while I'm already in the cab!
Who cares?
They are trying to make rides more "enjoyable?"
You are in a taxi, you're not paying for a luxury ride. You are trying to get from one place to another, which that can do for you. I don't know why anything should change. Want a better ride? Get a limo.
Apparantly i must look like i'm always trying to get to brooklyn, which i usually am. Every time i flag down a cab they roll down the window and ask me where i'm going. as i start saying brook. . . the cab's tires spin as it can't pull away fast enough.
I've tried not answering and just getting in but they've caught on to that one. . . now they'll keep the doors locked until they know i'm not leaving the island.
This is very strange. When will politicians look at the big picture. The problem with talking while drive is that the driver is distracted. With a passenger, the passenger will stop talking when they notice a time when the driver needs focus on drive. However, talking to a dispatcher or someone on the phone, the other person does not know about any hazards that the drive may encounter. One has to doubt that politicians have though about the distraction that a cab drive encounter when talking to a dispatcher.
Politicans need to understand the nature of a persons work before they make themselves look like they are out of touch.
Great, now just change the law to make it legal to jam cell signals and my business will do all the better as well. Waiting........
They can disable their car horns for starters.
1. Equip a wireless headset
2. Hide phone in the back.
3. Hope that voice-dialing works accurately.
4. ??????
5. PROFIT!