Taking a cue from Flatbush Avenue’s Dollar Vans, some yellow cabs will begin running on routes with predetermined stops where passengers can get on and off. Best of all, the credit card swipe for these “group rides” will be significantly less costly than in a single-payer situation. In Midtown Manhattan the group rides will be available during the morning rush hour from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. "The concept really boils down to: take less money out of passengers’ pockets, put more money in drivers’ pockets, put less pollution in the air, and give passengers more transportation options," said outgoing Taxi and Limousine Commission chief Matt Daus.
So far there are three pick-up spots:
-W. 57th Street and Eighth Avenue with dropoffs allowed on Park Avenue between 57th Street until 42nd Street
-W.72nd Street. and Columbus Avenue with dropoffs on Park Avenue from 72nd Street to 42nd Street
-E. 72nd Street and Third Avenue with dropoffs on Park Avenue from 72nd Street to 42nd Street
It's sounds way easier than ride-sharing. To get a cheap fare ($3 for the first passenger, and $4 for each additional rider) there must be more than one person in the cab, according to the Post, but people can hop in along the way. Credit card or cash is still OK, and to expedite the many dropoffs passengers can pay the set fare while the cab is in motion. Group rides are set to begin on Friday. "What’s not to like?" said Haus. Let's wait and see whether unspoken "no talking" rules apply to answer that question.
