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NYC Cabbies Threaten Strike Over GPS

by Terrence O'Brien on July 26, 2007 at 11:39 AM


Sure, it won't be nearly as devastating as the New York City transit strike of 2005, but an impending taxi strike could make the lives of many New Yorkers much more difficult if it goes into effect. The New York Taxi Workers' Alliance is prepping to walk off the job in response to the city's new requirement that all cabs install a touch screen device that includes a GPS receiver.

Cabbies are up in arms because they claim the GPS units are a violation of privacy, and because they will often be asked to pay for the devices themselves, which cost between $2,900 and $7,200 over a three year period.

The city claims that the GPS units will not track the movements of the cabs (though, they'd certainly be capable), but will only record pick up and drop off points, something cab drivers are required to do already. To offset the cost of the units, the city hopes to increase revenue by allowing riders to pay with credit cards via the units, and it also plans to sell advertising on the screens.

Other benefits of the devices include allowing riders to search for local businesses as well as movie and play times. Having the GPS units will also help track lost items and find cabs in trouble.

The New York Taxi Workers' Alliance plans to meet next month to decide on a date and duration for that strike, if one is deemed necessary.

From Gearlog and USA Today

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Tags: cab, gps, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, nyc, NYTWA, strike, taxi

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