GPS Big Brother’s watching…Cabbies?

The famous New York yellow cabs were at a standstill last Monday as the cabbies went out in protest against GPS! According to Information Week, the cabbies’ union is afraid that the new requirements to install navigation systems in the famous yellow cabs would “infringe on their civil liberties.”

The argument goes that cabs would be out of action for installation, it would cost too much and that since the devices can monitor speed and where they go, this would violate their rights. The Taxi and Limousine Commission maintains that the equipment would help drivers navigate traffic, provide efficient routes, and help passengers recover lost property (your guess is as good as mine on that last one).

I think it’s a good plan, for customers at least. I can see the drivers’ point, no one would like their boss to be able to check what they’re doing all day, and I reckon that New York cabbies probably know the great city better than anyone else.

Any thoughts? Would GPS systems help or hinder our own taxi drivers?