Court puts brakes on cab-hailing phone apps

An appellate court judge issued an emergency injunction Wednesday to stop the yearlong pilot program to test out hailing yellow taxis with smartphone apps, just a day after the pilot launched.

The order promised an “expedited review” of the plan, according to the attorney representing black and livery car services, which oppose the so-called “e-hails,” saying it cuts into their business, the New York Post reported.
The TLC slammed the injunction.

“It is appalling that narrow commercial interests continue to try to block passengers from using the latest technology. You can’t stop progress, and these obstructionists shouldn’t be trying,” it said in a statement.

Two apps, Uber and Hailo, had been approved by the TLC before the injunction.