By Serena Solomon
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — The Taxi and Limousine Commission is using a new tool to lift the number of riders using its cab sharing program — balloons.
The program has had a sluggish beginning since it started two weeks ago. Some residents couldn't find a taxi partner, while others had a hard time finding the pickup spots.
"We have averaged about four to six [shared cabs] a day, so it is a slow start," said TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg.
He said the balloons DNAinfo saw on Wednesday at the E. 72nd Street and Third Avenue pickup spot were only for that location, and that the TLC is testing several promotional strategies, which could include working with local businesses.
The balloons were also accompanied by larger signage and TLC workers were on hand to guide riders to sharing a taxi.
Rosie Weissbart, who works at the State News store across from the Upper East Side pickup spot, has yet to see a lineup for shared cabs. But she thinks the balloons are a good idea.
"They will bring attention to it, always," said Weissbart, who lives on the Upper East Side. But would residents take to the idea of sharing a cab?
"A lot of New Yorker are jaded, we are creatures of habit," she said.
The program launched March 3. Riders can share cabs from three locations in Manhattan — E. 72nd Street and Third Avenue, W. 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue and W. 57th Street and Eighth Avenue.
The three routes converge on Park Avenue and continue down to Grand Central Terminal.
The flat fare from the 72nd Street locations is $4 per passenger and $3 per passenger from W. 57th Street.
