Click here for Frequently Asked Questions for the passengers
Click here for a Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) Video Profile and links to the vendor's websites


In order to provide better service to passengers, the Taxi and Limousine Commission has mandated new equipment be installed in all yellow cabs.  At the current time, there are a few hundred enhanced cabs operating for hire on the streets. By the end of January 2008, almost all yellow taxicabs will be equipped with the following:

Credit Card/Debit Card Payment System – Taxicabs will accept cash and credit/debit cards for all fares.  The equipment will be installed in the rear of the cab which will provide a high level of security as passengers will swipe their own card and be in control during the transaction.

Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) – A screen will be installed in the back seat to provide both information and entertainment.  All monitors will have buttons to both mute and turn off the PIM.  The PIM will display a map with the taxicab’s current location and facilitate payment of all fares.

Trip Sheet Automation – Using Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) technology, the collection of trip sheet data will now be automatic.  This will improve the accuracy of collected data which will help facilitate the return of lost property.

Text Messaging – A Driver Information Monitor (DIM) will permit messages to be sent to drivers when the vehicle is stopped.  These messages can be used to assist drivers in returning lost property, to be made aware of large events and fare opportunities and to help avoid traffic congestion.




Passenger Frequently Asked Questions

How will the enhancements benefit passengers?
All taxicabs will accept cash or credit/debit cards, increasing passengers’ payment options.  There will be a Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) installed in the back seat which will display a map showing the vehicle’s current location, in addition to providing news and entertainment.
The system will also assist in returning lost property by improving information flow between the TLC and drivers.

How long will it take if I use a credit/debit card in the cab?
A credit/debit card transaction will take on the average 5 to 10 seconds to process, after the card is swiped.

Can I use my credit/debit card for all fares?
In taxicabs that have technology systems installed, yes, drivers accept credit/debit cards for all fares; there are no minimums or fees to use your credit/debit.

Do I have to sign the receipt?
Customers only need to sign the receipt when the fare is $25.00 and over.

Will the map offer directions or traffic conditions?
No, the map will only show where you are currently located, and may contain “breadcrumbs” displaying the route you have traveled.

Can I turn off the monitor in the backseat?
Passengers will be able to turn off either the sound or the entire monitor.  If it had been turned off, the monitor will reactivate at the end of the ride to assist in payment.

What happens if my credit/debit card does not work?
If the credit/debit card payment does not process, passengers can pay in cash or use another card.

Will drivers be distracted by text messages being sent to the cab?
No, the system is designed so that text messages can only be displayed when the cab is stopped or moving very slowly.  There will be no keyboard for drivers, who will only have to push a button to reply.

If after swiping my credit/debit card, the driver informs me that the card transaction did not go through and requests cash, what should I do?
The Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) located in the backseat will inform the passenger when a credit/debit card is approved.  If the screen indicates that the credit card has been approved, your card will be charged and the driver will be paid.  In most cases your credit card number will be noted on the receipt.  If you are double charged, call 311 and bring a consumer complaint against the driver. If you want to press charges, you must attend a TLC hearing at 40 Rector Street to pursue a consumer complaint. Passengers should always ask for a receipt.

Is a driver allowed to refuse to let a passenger use his/her credit/debit card?
No, drivers are required to accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover (and some will accept the JCB Card) for all fares. The driver must accept credit/debit cards for any fare amount.  If a driver claims the credit card system is broken and/or prevents a passenger from using their credit/debit card, please report the medallion number to the TLC by calling 311.

What if a driver says the system is not working?
The passenger should note the medallion number and call 311.  Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair.  Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours.

I am concerned about security, who will swipe the credit/debit card?
All the equipment is installed in the back seat of the cab. The passenger swipes the card and can enter the tip on the touch screen located in the back seat. There is no need to hand the card to the driver.  In addition, all taxicab systems are certified by the Payment Card Industry (PCI).

Can I use a keypad to enter my debit card pin number?
The systems only work with signature based credit cards/debit cards. There are no PIN based functions built into the systems. This feature may be added at a later date. If a MasterCard or Visa logo is present on the debit card, it should be accepted by the taxis.

Which credit/debit cards are accepted?
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and in some instances, JCB
Debit cards: Signature based Visa and MasterCard.

How will I get my receipt?
The driver will hand you the receipt as they do now.

How will text messaging for lost property work and will it be available 24-hours a day?
After a passenger calls 311, he or she will be transferred to a TLC representative.  The TLC representative will perform a query to find the lost property based on  trip information such as time of trip along with Medallion Number and Pick Up or Drop Off location.  Reports will be collected 24-hours per day, but initially queries will only be performed during business hours.



Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) Video Profile

There are four different PIM manufacturers. Click on vendors' website for more information:
Click here to view video of VeriFone PIM Tutorial  (Video Format: .WMV, File Size - 2 MB ) or visit their website   (Note: you will be leaving the TLC website)
Click here to visit Creative Mobile Technologies with Mobile Knowledge's website (Note: you will be leaving the TLC website)
Click here to visit Taxi Technology Corporation's website (Note: you will be leaving the TLC website)
Click here to visit Digital Dispatch Systems Inc.'s website (Note: you will be leaving the TLC website)