NEW YORK CITY — The city's plan to launch a smartphone app that would allow riders to "e-hail" a taxi is on hold — at least for now — after an appellate judge ordered an injunction against the program, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Several livery car companies had challenged the pilot program in court, citing a city ordinance that requires a license for all prearranged rides. An elderly man, Arthur Harris, had also joined the suit, claiming that the pilot discriminated against older people who are less tech savvy.
A state Supreme Court judge had dismissed the lawsuit last week, prompting the group to challenge the decision in appellate court.
A panel of judges is expected to weigh in on the case later this month, but until then, the pilot program cannot move forward, according to the AP.
A statement issued on behalf of the Livery Roundtable and the Black Car Assistance Corporation hailed Wednesday's decision.
"We are pleased and gratified the appellate court will allow us our day in court,” it read. "This ‘pilot’ program silenced the voices of more than 35,000 livery, black car and luxury limousine operators and drivers; it ignored the City Charter and the Administrative Code."
Michelle Goldberg-Cahn of the city's law department said the city is "disappointed" by the delay.
