Cabbies Strike over GPS in NYC

This was published in the Metro Newspaper - New York City Addition on September 27, 2007.

It is in regards to issues that New York Taxi Workers Alliance, a quasi-union, is having with the GPS system that the City of New York is imposing upon them. It also forced them to strike.

It's pretty sad that New York Taxi Workers Alliance, has not educated their Union Members on the issues at hand, or maybe they just picked these guys out to make them seem like fools? The media could be doing this to make this not so glorious profession that is the brunt of all "cabbie" jokes, look even more ridiculous? I bet that the majority of the cab drivers in this city come from "brown" nations, but a little diversity couldn't hurt. I travel in taxis and I would say that 50% of the cab drivers that have driven me are not South Asian.

Look at what Parvinder Sing (I wonder if his last name is a misspelling?) says, "There's going to be radiation coming from behind the driver's seat, where the GPS is. It's a health issue" If you are right Parvinder? I am never stepping into a taxi that has GPS...there is too much radiating from the mobile phone that I keep in my pocket.

I don't think that Navdeep Singh's comment will make too many riders care for their situation as well. Do you think the general public cares if you can't check ID cards? If someone disputes a stolen card charge, then you should be able to fight it because it wasn't you fault. Maybe the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, should look into that for you?

The only one that is on target with the issues is Mohammad Rahman (he has also been driving for less years out of the three), he is speaking of how this can hurt the industry in the long run. Cab drivers need to stay on the road and get as many fares as possible and not be deterred by the imposition of something that is really useless and imposes costs on the Medallion holder of the taxi.

It isn't fair and the city should pay for it if they believe it will help everyone. The GPS system is an advertising sensory overload and should fund itself. It is also another "Big Brother" episode in NYC.