Cool, But After The Latest Fare Hike We’ll Expect To Find Complimentary Bottled Water Next

Upgrades mandated after the last taxi fare hike (meaning, the one that took effect on May 1, 2004, not the latest fare hike) will finally be rolled out:

The cab of the future is here — a place where passengers can watch television, get the weather forecast and pay by credit card.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission showcased the model cabs yesterday, with real ones hitting the streets as soon as Monday. Among the new features:

• Digital television monitors with touch-screen controls. Some offer segments from network news; other articles on news, entertainment and sports also are offered in text. Passengers can research restaurants, clubs and other activities — or just turn the darn things off.
• Debit and credit card readers allow passengers pay with plastic. The fare — which tells riders how much of it went to tolls or surcharges — is displayed on the interactive screen. Riders can even choose to have tip percentages calculated for them. No signatures or codes are required for fares under $25.
• The monitors all have an electronic map featuring the cab’s location from start to finish for each trip. Riders can see if the taxi is taking an unnecessarily circuitous route; the TLC also can track taxis if, for example, a passenger left a belonging inside a cab.