Need an NYC Cab? There’s an App for That

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Need a cab? Put your arm down—now there’s an app for that. The New York Times says a new taxi calling system made for the iPhone is debuting in the city today. Called “Uber,” it’s already a success in San Francisco, the city where the start-up behind it is based. The company expects an average ride to cost 1.75 times the cost of a typical yellow cab ride.

Here’s how the system works: Uber gives each car contracted to be part of its fleet an iPhone plus dispatch software. When you need a ride, the closest car is identified by the dispatcher and sent your way along with an estimated time of arrival. As you wait, you can check the car’s progress on your smartphone.

According to the Uber website: “Your licensed professional driver will park curbside in a sleek black car.”