The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has approved a pilot program that would allow passengers to "e-hail" a New York City taxicab via downloadable smartphone applications ("apps"). Once the program goes into effect sometime after February 15, 2013, app providers and developers will have to demonstrate their compliance with the guidelines the TLC will put in place to protect passengers from overcharges and ensure that services are only provided by properly licensed drivers before being allowed in the marketplace. The year-long program would be evaluated quarterly, and if successful as anticipated, it could then be extended or replaced by permanent rules.