Politics & Government

Court Halts E-Hail Pilot Program: Report

Smartphone app was supposed to be offered for a year.

This story was posted by Caitlin Nolan. It was written and reported by Nathan Duke. 

The state Supreme Court has halted a city pilot program that would allow riders to hail yellow taxis with a smartphone app, NY 1 reported.   

The E-hail app officially debuted on Tuesday and was supposed to be offered for a year.   

City officials have said the app gives riders more choices, but livery cabs and other opponents of the app allege that it breaks a law that prohibits drivers from refusing passengers without legitimate grounds, NY 1 reported.   

In a statement, Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky blasted the court’s ruling.   

“It is appalling that narrow commercial interests continue to try to block passengers from using the latest technology,” Yassky said. “You can’t stop progress and these obstructionists shouldn’t be trying. We’re confident this program will move forward.”


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