The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has passed a proposal it says will make it easier to hail a cab in the city.

The commission voted 7 to 1 to do away with the off-duty light on taxis and establish a single-light system.

When the light is on, the taxi is available; when the light is off, the taxi is unavailable.

Cabs currently have two lights on their roofs, and the commission says that system confuses passengers and gives taxi drivers the opportunity to cherry pick.

Cabs will be converted on a rolling basis during their inspections between January and April of next year.