Uber Becomes the First Taxi App Approved for Use In New York City

Uber has become the first taxicab app to be approved for use in New York City, reports ValleyWag.

The TLC issued the following statement about the new 12 month pilot program.

-----
The New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) may proceed with the e-hail pilot program, which was approved at the TLC’s December 13, 2012 Commission meeting.


Today, the TLC approved the first pilot participant in this pilot program: Uber Technologies, Inc.

This 12-month pilot program, which commences today, will allow the TLC to test and evaluate smartphone e-hail apps that can be used to request medallion taxicab service.

Only licensed medallion taxi drivers in licensed medallion taxicabs may use this app (or any subsequently-named e-hail apps) in compliance with the e-hail pilot resolution, which can be found on the TLC website.
-----

Strangely, Hailo, another taxicab app was not named as an approved application for the pilot; however, they have sent an email to their users announcing that a Hailo Beta is live in New York City.


ValleyWag contacted the TLC and according to a spokesperson, even though the though the e-hail pilot is officially in place, "it appears that Hail-O is operating outside of it. We are communicating firmly to taxi drivers that they may not use unapproved e-hail apps."

You can download Uber from the App Store for free.

Read More [App Store] [via Lem]