More Examples Of How _NOT_ To Implement GPS Tracking
Nasty quote that popped up today:
Taxi drivers plan a two-day strike in a quest to squash a looming mobile technology mandate from the TLC.
The message from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance [NYTWA], a group representing New York City’s taxi drivers, is clear: Stop GPS [global positioning systems] in New York cabs or we’ll strike.
The Alliance, which represents about 10,000 New York cabbies, held a press conference outside Penn Station August 23 to announce a city-wide 48-hour strike Wednesday, Sept. 5 through Thursday, Sept. 6 if the TLC [Taxi and Limousine Commission] moves forward with its plans to mandate the installation technology package that includes GPS in all taxis… Read the rest of this case study in GPS tracking mismanagement.
A taxi strike for new York is indeed a big thing. It’s one of the few big cities where I would routinely grab a cab rather than use other forms of public transport or a rental car. When 10,000 independent businessmen go out on strike it is a “big thing” too. these are not “fat cat” union featherbedders” with some huge strike war chest that will pay them back … they are voting with their pocketbook … their very livelihood. I’m saddened by this news. Not because of the reasons you might think.
Yes I used to sell this technology. And yes I feel that GPS tracking has a lot to offer both the riding public and the taxi drivers. But it’s not the business opportunity issues that sadden me. What saddens me is that a city agency who is supposed to manage this important form of transportation and look out for visitors to the city and the citizens of New York as well, has managed to make such a high-handed screw up of this. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!
I have years of experience in implementing GPS systems both public and private. With the benefits that could accrue to drivers from a properly designed system, this project should be a slam-dunk success. But when you treat my fellow citizens like they were Iraqi terrorists … toe the mark or else … I feel saddened to be an American. A big red “F* to the city of New York for letting this one get so far down the pike of injustice. Just what rights do individual citizens and small businessmen have in this country any more?
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[...] Lead to Strike and I have no doubt you can find plenty more. The New York situation has already lead to the very brink of a strike as I reported on the GPS Bus blog. You can also learn more at the Taxi Alliance [...]