Autoblog

Those of you in the Big Apple waiting for a cab while reading your favorite automotive news site may have noticed that you're able to get through a few more articles than normal. Why? A sizable number of New York cabbies have called it quits today in a general strike that began at 5 AM this morning and will continue through Friday.

The two-day strike is a reaction to new regulations that drivers complain will cost them money and invade their privacy. Back in 2004, N.Y.'s Taxi and Limousine Commission required all cabs to come equipped with new systems, including credit card readers and GPS devices, which could cost upwards of $6,000.

The Cabbies contest that the implementation of these systems, originally designed to track drivers and help fares find lost property, is too cost prohibitive, and since drivers normally lease their cars, the money would come directly out of their pockets. Additionally, the credit card readers would take about five-percent of each fare charged.

Inspection of vehicles will begin October 1 and run through January 31 of next year, at which time all New York cabs are required to be sporting the new systems. Delays over the next few days are already happening, so if you aren't already familiar with it, now's a good time to learn the subway system.

[Source: New York Times]