New York Taxi Drivers To Strike Over GPS

Stony Stevenson notes a NYTimes story on labor unrest caused by high-tech privacy concerns. One organization of taxi drivers plans a 48-hour strike, while another opposes any such action. "One taxi group plans to strike from 5 a.m. Sept. 5, through 5 a.m. Sept. 7, in opposition to New York City's requirement that all cabs be equipped with GPS technology beginning Oct. 1... saying GPS infringes on drivers' privacy... The Taxi and Limousine Commission passed a rule stating that all New York City cabs must have touch-screen display panels, credit card readers, and GPS beginning this year. Many taxis already are equipped with the technologies, which allow passengers to get news, route data, and other information. The TLC claims that the technology will not be used to invade drivers' privacy but will provide real-time maps and help passengers recover lost property."

Honesty?

[Southpaw018]

I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with the occasional taxi driver making a tourist's trip 10x longer than it's supposed to be...

Off the book trips

[frovingslosh]

This is a tremenous violation of our privacy. It will be much harder for us to make off-the-book trips and just pocket the money.

What do my fares spell out?

[whyde]

So nice to know that now, not only is my credit card info available, but every taxi trip I take in NYC is geocached for me and the DHS.

I can just imagine a movie in the not too near future (I'm writing this down because I want it documented that I thought of it) where a serial killer spells out the name of his next intended victim using his GPS fare info. The detective cracks that mystery just in time to see the killer spell the name of someone dear to him.

Meh. Probably rent it, but not see it in the theater.

I'm sorry but I support robocabs.

[Anonymous Coward]

Now coming to a city near you. Johnny Cab [ugo.com]

Re:That's life

[deftcoder]

How on Earth did you manage to use you're/your both correctly and incorrectly in the same sentence?

Re:GPS jammers are about to be a hot commodity

[tool462]

That won't work in a place like NYC. Cop: So where is the taxi we're looking for? Cab Co. GPS operator: You see that spot where there isn't a taxi? That's our guy.

Re:Honesty?

[Mike89]

do the trip as quickly as possible, and pick up the next person in the shortest amount of time.

Yep, then you get the Speed Bonus. Just doesn't damage your taxi too bad or no one will want to get in it! Also remember to run them over if you reach the timelimit and they don't pay their fare.

Re:Honesty?

[voice_of_all_reason]

But a few bad guys are quickly fixed by mandatory GPS.

Just like these new sneakers will suddenly let me do a slam dunk!