A Manhattan judge today said she needs more time to determine the legality of a city plan to let yellow taxi passengers hail cabs with cell phone apps.
Supreme Court Judge Carol Huff said she wants to hold a new hearing March 18 on the legality of the plan, which is opposed by the livery cab industry.
After hearing legal arguments, Huff issued a temporary restraining order that bars the city from implementing its eHail pan until she decides the case.
Yellow taxis are enthusiastic about the eHail proposal, which would let people instantly order up taxis with their smart phones.
But livery cabbies, who may only to pick up passengers by pre-arrangement over the phone, oppose the plan.
Huff is the fifth judge assigned to the case — several recused themselves, and one was removed at the city’s behest after he hinted he’d rule against the plan.
Livery industry lawyer Randy Mastro said he was “gratified” by Huff’s decision. But a yellow taxi industry spokesman noted the ruling is just temporary and will give the judge time to weigh the case.