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New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission is looking ahead to next year, when the three contracts for the current cab information screens expire, and has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge various enhancements to the relatively new taxi technology. The riding public, the taxicab industry and the technology community is being asked for input on how the computerized system can be improved for what the TLC is calling Taxi 2.0.
TLC Commissioner Matthew W. Daus said in a statement that it's "time for us to take the process to the next level." Here are some of the improvements already under consideration:
- The Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) screens could be upgraded to include Internet access; iPod or MP-3 plug-in capability; games; "enhanced driver information" including a photo and hack license number; and real time interactivity with TLC to facilitate surveys, complaints, and compliments.
- Improved navigation systems for the driver could include monitor screens displaying up-to-the-minute traffic information and pinpoint restroom, gas station and relief stand locations.
- Reduced credit card transaction costs, which many hacks have demanded.
- Easy split-fare options for passengers sharing a ride.
- A "Taxicard," which would be modeled after the MTA's MetroCard and feature pre-paid debit or taxi-specific credit card accounts. The Taxicards might also offer discounts for "frequent rider miles."
- Cell phone blocking technology (for drivers while engaged, but not passengers)
Exciting stuff, albeit very hypothetical at this point. But that's where you come in; the TLC is seeking input from everyone on Taxi 2.0. Feedback and suggestions will be accepted until June 15th by snail mail, e-mail (policymail@tlc.nyc.gov), or through the TLC's website here. Speaking to the Post, Daus explained, "This a search for ideas. It includes some ideas we've reviewed, and I'm hoping that passengers will tell us what they want, and we'll find out what's possible."
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Can they also add - having the volume of the TV's either set very low or off? Those poor Cab drivers have to listen to that over and over again, day in day out... really not very fair. Plus, as a passenger, the volume is so loud in some the the cabs, I feel like I am being audibly assaulted when it comes on.
These are all fine (if unnecessary) -- except for the cell phone blocking idea. All else being equal, I'd probably prefer my driver to shut up and just drive -- but at the same time, I can imagine that tooling around the city all day must get pretty boring. If the dude wants to quietly carry on a conversation while he gets me from point A to point B, and assuming he can do so safely, I really don't mind.
Some jobs suck, it's true -- but I guess I personally just don't want to make anyone's job suck any more than it absolutely needs to.
Why on earth do you need to plug an iPod in? If listening to your music constantly is that important, use the headphones.
An actual button for on/off would be great, so we don't have to deal with all of the touch screen off buttons that don't work. Getting rid of these dumb screens would also be pretty awesome.
Now for some technology that will force cabbies to go anywhere you want to go in town, at any time.
www.forgotten-ny.com
i don't think they should be allowed to use the phone at all. i can't talk on the phone all day at my job - and i would be pissed as hell if i walked into a restaurant, doctor's office, retail store, hotel, etc., etc. and couldn't get the time of day because the employee was yacking away on the phone.
i always 'vote' on this subject with my tip. if the driver can't be bothered to acknowledge my presence by getting off the phone, i won't be bothered in paying extra. tips are supposed to be for service above and beyond the call of duty.
"If the dude wants to quietly carry on a conversation while he gets me from point A to point B, and assuming he can do so safely, I really don't mind."
Maybe not but the TLC does. A cab driver can be fined or suspended for using even a hands-free phone while driving.
I don't see how this would work, though. How could you block a driver's phone but not interfered with a passenger's? I also don't see where the idea came from or see any way to explore that, because I don't find it mentioned on the links from this page either at the TLC site or the Post.
No passenger entertainment, please. If people are so scatter-brained that they can't sit quietly in a cab then let them bring their own distraction devices. Or put the car radio controls in the back seat. All cabs really need is GPS for the driver, a built-in EZ Pass and machines to take credit cards.
Want to really upgrade taxi technology? Make them all hybrids or electric that are at least PZEV compliant. THAT would make a difference.
I would like to see the screens go. Everywhere you go there are screens pumping out the same banal information.
I like the easy split fare option, perhaps, that could be useful for some people.
A better nav system would be good. I don't like being driven at 1 mph through Times Square when we could have gone a bit further up or down before crossing. So I want to see the system's suggested optimal route and compare it to the one we're taking.
Also there should be a Big Red Button that you can slam when a hack says "No way" to your destination. That button causes a heap of bad karma for the hack, and later that night, he is hit by several banana cream pies.
And last but most, the number one way to improve cab service: how about some actual driver licensing requirements huh? How about they have to know and observe little boring laws like pedestrian right of way in cross walks? How about less pulse-and-glide, brake-jamming experiences?
"I would like to see the screens go. Everywhere you go there are screens pumping out the same banal information."
They can certainly be useful in cabs, but a nice, simple, old-fashioned on/off switch would be great.
More Ca$h Cabs, please.
I love Cash Cab. I believe the call sign for that minivan is 1G12, so if I ever see that coming down the street I'm going to jump in front of it and ask it to take me somewhere.
sadly, it's not as spontaneous as they'd like you to think. contestants audition for an unnamed reality show and those that are chosen are given instructions to be at a certain place at a certain time.
Not exactly, according to someone I know who was on it. The show has people who first scout for possible contestants on the street or in bars or restaurants or whatever and asks them if they'd like to be on a reality show. If they agree and pass that initial screening, they're walked to a spot to wait for a cab to "take them to the filming," and the Cash Cab is the one that happens to pick them up.
How about a block that only allows cars to travel at maximum speed in relation
to street and highway speed limits. Many times I let cabs know "sir' the epitome of man, this is not a fucking expressway, my life is worth more than your damn passenger quota! Thank you.
Talking on the phone while driving should be illegal also. People get so wrapped up in conversation and agenda pushing, its very easy to run a light or turn when your not supposed to.
"Talking on the phone while driving should be illegal also"
For cabbies, it is.
A better upgrade would be english speaking cabbies that don't smell like elephant dung
Before we worry about MP3 players or other warm fuzzy shit, how about we take care of making sure that all cabs are in good working order, safe, take credit cards, and have properly licensed and regulated drivers who will take you anywhere in the 5 boroughs, and take the fastest way by default.
After all that, we can talk about fucking games and internet access.
Cabbies need to learn the magic of soap and water. I have walked out of a cab after a few blocks due to the stinging armpit smell.
Also Cabbies HATE anything but cash. Its a cash business. They don't want to report anything to the IRS. Any payment system will be 'out of order' if you try to use it, forcing the use of good ole' cash....
First off
If you don't pay in cash at a cabbie you deserve to get totally ripped off, its your own fault.
Second
Blocking cell phones in a cab will have huge implications for trouble, the biggest being they can't call 911.
You yuppies need to shut up and suck it up or get out of this city.
Everyone has their own perspective and the best you can do is just not mess with anyone else.
Suck it up.