Earlier this week, we wrote about how taxi drivers in New York City had been caught overcharging passengers to the tune of $8.3 million over the last two years. To remedy the situation, the Taxi & Limousine Commission will be upgrading all cabs to alert passengers whenever their rate increases.

The problem, for those who missed it the first time around, is that many taxi drivers were charging, whether accidentally or on purpose, some passengers the “suburban rate,” which is meant for travel outside of the city’s five boroughs and is double the normal rate.

As of yesterday, the TLC had already programmed the metering systems in 5,000 cabs to alert passengers they may be paying too much. A text alert will be displayed in bright red letters on the TV screen in the back seat of the cab:

ALERT!
Meter has been accelerated to reflect and out-of-town rate. If you are within the 5 boroughs of New York City, please inform your driver that this is a violation of your passenger rights.

The TLC plans to have all taxis upgraded in the next few days. They are also working on an audio alert.

TLC Equips Cabs With New Fare Setting Alert [NY1]

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