Mayor Bloomberg recently proposed laws to create "Borough Taxis," a new category of livery cars that can make on-street pick-ups outside of Manhattan. Drivers would have to pay a fee (not as much as purchasing a medallion for a yellow cab), the car would be an easily identifiable color and have a light on top, and pricing would be a uniform fare, the same as a yellow cab. A vote will go through city council this summer.
The benefits to riders include some pros and cons. It will be easy to identify a licensed car, so you don't risk climbing into a dangerous situation. They will have credit card machines, which have become very popular with riders in yellow cabs. You'll be able to more easily find lost property. Finally, a metered fare will help those unfamiliar with a neighborhood by eliminating confusing, variable zone rates, ultimately keeping haggling out of the equation.
Livery cabs with call-ahead service will remain the same, but the TLC believes that livery cab companies might be interested in expanding their businesses by investing in a few Borough Taxis. The TLC might need to work out some kinks first though--like the fact the the Borough Taxis won't be able to pick up passengers in Manhattan, which would potentially keep drivers from driving you over the East River, whether that's legal or not.
The TLC set up a passenger survey to get riders' opinions about the new program. You can take it here: www.nyc.gov/taxi.
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