NYC cabbies could have cellphone use blocked while driving... but probably not

The Taxi and Limousine Commission of New York City (also known as the TLC) is considering some changes to the way that taxis and their drivers will operate in the future as part of its "Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program." Among the wild ideas being floated is one that would "block" anyone in the front seat from using a cellphone -- most notably, of course -- the driver. Driving while using a handset is already illegal in New York, but this measure would apparently kill the ability to use a hands-free device as well. The TLC is trying to have an open discussion with New Yorkers on its website about other possible ways to make taxi rides more... enjoyable "in the future." We're betting this one will never happen but hey -- you never know. Our suggestion? Stop acting like we asked you to cart us to the gates of hell when we tell you we need to go to Brooklyn.

[Via WCBS]

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 15th 2009 1:33PM]

And this would block the signal of the passengers as well? F*cking stupid.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 15th 2009 5:02PM]

And how long would it take a cabbie to figure out that they can put their cellphone in the back seat and use bluetooth with voice dialing? Restricting cabbies with hardware is a ridiculous idea.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 15th 2009 8:12PM]

"this measure would apparently kill the ability to use a hands-free device as well."