App To Hail Yellow Cabs In NYC Taken Offline
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An app to hail a yellow cab has been taken offline, with the dispatch company complaining about the city's response to the technology.
The company Uber said the app was originally given the green light by the Taxi and Limousine Commission when it debuted six weeks ago.
But the TLC questioned whether the app violated the city’s guidelines, which prohibit prearranged rides in yellow cabs.
"The Taxi and Limousine Commission had initially said they were OK with an e-hail app," said Joshua Mohrer, the general manager of Uber NYC. "As we launched, which we did so quite rapidly, they kind of changed their thoughts on that."
"We have to go through a rule-making process," said David Yassky, the Taxi and Limousine Commissioner. "We're going to put out our proposed rules in the next few weeks and then there will be a public hearing. It will probably be about two months until they are voted on but we think a smart phone app could be a good way to help a passenger find a taxi quicker."
Uber said it will keep operating the program that helps people find rides in black cars.
It also took a dig at city officials, saying the program would continue in what it calls more "innovation-friendly cities," including Boston and Toronto.