Taxi Drivers' Group Upset Over New Technology

NEW YORK -- A major New York City taxi drivers' group says it might strike over new technology that's being required in all the city's cabs.

The executive director of the Taxi Workers Alliance says the group may call for a strike in September -- if city leaders don't address drivers' concerns about their privacy and income. The group has more than 7,000 members.

The city Taxi and Limousine Commission is requiring all 13,000 city cabs to install touch-screen monitor and mapping systems. Taxis must have the systems when they come up for routine inspections, beginning October 1.

The technology allows riders to pay by credit card, check on news, map out where a cab is going and find information about eateries and entertainment.

Many drivers say the systems are expensive and would let officials check up on them. Taxi officials say the new technology could boost ridership by eliminating the need for cash, while giving drivers information about traffic and lost items.

The commission originally called for the technology while approving a 26-percent fare increase in 2004.