New York Cab Drivers Threaten Strike Over GPS Systems

According to taxi drivers' groups, the devices cost more than 5,000 dollars to install and will inform the Taxi and Limousine Commission where they are, how many trips they have taken and how much they took in fares.

by Staff Writers
New York (AFP) Jul 25, 2007
A trade body representing more than 8,000 New York taxi drivers is threatening to call a strike over the city's plans to introduce satellite positioning systems in every yellow cab. Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, told AFP Wednesday that drivers considered the proposals put forward by the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) infringed on their rights.

"Taxi drivers sometimes use the cars in their private time. Why should they tell the TLC where they are going on a Sunday with their family? This is an invasion of privacy," she said.

"We are ready to go on strike at no notice in September if the TLC doesn't cancel its plans to install a GPS in each vehicle," she added. The alliance represents some 8,400 of New York's 26,000 taxi drivers.

Under current proposals, the city's distinctive yellow cabs will from October 1 have to be equipped with the new GPS system, which also includes a monitor for passengers to follow their route and check news and weather.

The system also allows bank card payments.

Source: Agence France-Presse

GPS NEWS

First Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellite Marks 10 Years In Service

King Of Prussia PA (SPX) Jul 25, 2007
The first U.S. Air Force Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR) satellite, built by a team led by Lockheed Martin, has surpassed its 10-year design life of on-orbit service, providing the U.S. military and civil users world-wide with highly accurate navigation capabilities since 1997. Launched from Cape Canaveral on July 23, 1997, the first GPS IIR satellite is one of 30 operational GPS satellites currently on orbit.

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