Earlier this week, New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission put out a call requesting ideas on how to improve their taxi technology.

The city's contracts with service providers for its tech tools program--referred to as the Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program, or T-PEP--expire in about two years. The TLC seems to be shopping for options on how "to enhance the technology systems in each taxicab for the benefit of passengers, drivers, and owners alike," according to the announcement.

The TLC said it's open to any ideas, but it listed key interests. Here are some of the more intriguing ideas:

- Cell phone-blocking technology (for drivers while engaged, but not passengers!)

- Wayfinding (knowing location, finding best routes)

- Multiple metered rate of fare and split-fare capabilities

- Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers or biometrics to ensure use by authorized drivers.

- Better, more informative receipts with driver information, easier-to-read/larger print, coupons, advertising, promotions, and receipts delivered electronically to an e-mail address.

- Driver debit card (income deposited directly into drivers' bank accounts) linked to benefits, i.e. discounts on car washes, fuel, restaurants, etc.

- Multiple languages

- Music and music video menu

- Internet or Wi-Fi capability (check e-mail, surf Web, shop, etc.)

- Real-time interactivity with TLC to facilitate surveys, complaints, compliments.

The request, which closes June 15, has been made to the general public as well as taxicab and technology companies. Proposals and comments can be e-mailed to policymail@tlc.nyc.gov, faxed to 212-676-1002, or mailed to NYC TLC, 40 Rector Street, 5th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.

I think some of the ideas above are not so good, like blocking cell calls for the drivers; those poor bastards are stuck in there all day. Anyways, maybe you have some better suggestions?

via cnet