iPads to replace TVs in NYC taxis?

New York City authorities are analyzing whether to change the current TV sets in cabs for iPad or Galaxy tablets. The classic yellow cabs feature small television sets which broadcast news shows and advertisements, which have become trademark staples.

But that could change if San Francisco-based company Square has its way: to install tablets to give passengers the chance of playing games and pay eventual fees and the taxi fare with credit cards.

The proposal would not only benefit passengers but taxi drivers as well, because the commission they pay for each credit card transaction would lower from 5.75 to 2 percent.

“This is one of the best things they could do to us right now,” 51 year old taxi driver Amrit Singh said. New York City taxi and limousines commission head David Yassky assured that the technology proposed by Square will offer a wide array of possible applications and digital content, providing a more varied entertainment.

Ney York City taxis are equipped with television sets under contract with NBC and ABC television networks, and broadcast news shows and late night shows.

Square, which will officially present its programme to the New York City taxi and limousines commission in March, has already successfully launched similar measures in other cities.

If the proposal is approved, it will be implemented in 50 taxis and eventually New York’s entire taxi fleet will be equipped with tablets.