May 29, 2009 6:20 am US/Eastern
Women's Advocates Warn Against Cab-Sharing Program
Female Passengers Should Err On The Side Of Caution If They Share
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Would you trade your privacy to save money? Taxi passengers in New York City will soon be asking themselves that questions as they'll be permitted the opportunity to share a ride and split the fare with a total stranger. (File)
AP
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They say sharing is caring. So would you share a cab with a complete stranger in order to save on the fare?
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Would you trade your privacy to save money? Taxi passengers in New York City will soon be asking themselves that questions as they'll be permitted the opportunity to share a ride and split the fare with a total stranger.
With the recession in full swing, the new program will give passengers the chance to pay less for a ride, that is if they don't mind sitting right next to someone they've likely never met.
"In the past it's worked very easily and passengers understand it and they get it," says Matt Daws, a Taxi and Limousine Commission spokesman.
In an effort to make cabs more affordable while helping cab drivers earn more and be smarter environmentally, the TLC is proposing new cab-sharing plans. Women are sounding off, though, and say the plan hasn't taken safety into consideration.
"That's probably the number one concern. I don't want to share a cab with anyone I don't know," said New Yorker Shelly Dell.
"It can be scary. During the middle of the day, you never know who will be out there," added Christine DeCarlo. "Once it catches on people may think of it as a good way to hit on women."
Under the new ride-share plan unveiled Thursday by city officials:
- 1,000 yellow cabs get new meters to split fares
- Transit hubs with taxi lines will be designated pick up locations for up to 4 passengers
- During peak rush hours, passengers will be dropped off and picked up along designated routes
Informal taxi sharing between friends and acquaintances already happens all over the city. This new plan would formalize the process with rules for both drivers and riders to follow, similar to the cab-sharing zones the city allowed on an emergency basis during the 2005 transit strike.
If the first passenger is willing to take someone else and reduce his or her fare, then fine. If the first passenger says no, then the cabbie shouldn't do it," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "I would not want any passenger to be told by a cabbie, 'We're taking another passenger, tough luck on you.'"
A women's advocate had a warning for female passengers about sharing cabs.
"Err on the side of caution. If there is someone they are uncomfortable entering the car at the same time as them, go ahead and get off," said Sonia Ossorio of the National Organization for Women. "It could mean your health, your life."
The TLC says they expect all proposals for the taxi share program to be completed by the fall. Development of the new meters is already well underway.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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