Big Changes for NYC’s Yellow Cabs

September 13, 2012 / Written by Corporate Suites Staff

Recently, there have been some interesting changes in the city’s iconic yellow taxicabs. The Taxi and Limousine Commission has approved a rate increase for cabs throughout New York. The change goes into complete effect as of September 30th, but the majority of taxis are already charging the new rates, which must be displayed on the side of the vehicle for potential riders. The increase is from 40 cents to 50 cents for each fifth of a mile or 60 seconds in slow traffic. On average, the typical total fare will increase 17% for riders.

It may be getting more expensive, but it is getting easier to catch a cab. Uber, a service that originated in San Francisco and has now expanded service to New York City, has created a smartphone application that signals a taxi to your location. A small number of taxi drivers are currently participating, but the number is expected to rapidly expand.

Currently, the application and several others like it are being reviewed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission to ensure compliance with all legal regulations. But with smartphones becoming more prevalent, it is certain that the future of hailing a cab is here, and applications like Uber will grow in popularity.