Just got an email from the TLC list about some a hearing to discuss some proposed changes.  This is a pretty interesting read to see what’s been going on at the TLC and where things are heading.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/rules/proposed_rules.shtml

What struck me is that there is already a group ride rate structure for taxis from the airport to areas in Manhattan:

§1-71
Group Rides.
(a) [Group rides fare from LaGuardia Airport. Notwithstanding the rate of fare set forth in §1-70 (a) and (b), the fare for trips made pursuant to a group riding plan from LaGuardia Airport shall be as follows for each passenger:
(1) for a trip to the East Side of Manhattan, east of Fifth Avenue, from 23rd Street to 96th Street: $7.50
(2) for a tip to the West Side of Manhattan, west of Fifth Avenue, from 23rd Street to 96th Street: $8.50
(3) for a trip to downtown Manhattan, south of 23rd Street: $9.50]

But now they are seeking to repeal this mysterious section that no one in NYC seems to even know exists.  It appears the rates apply in situations that are described in 1-70, which I don’t have in front of me.  In any case, the explanation for the proposed repeal is helpful to understand the direction the TLC is taking:

Statement of Basis and Purpose of Proposed Rule
Since 1993, Taxi and Limousine Commission rules have permitted three different group ride fares from LaGuardia Airport to specified areas in Manhattan. However, these group rides are no longer used. The LaGuardia group rides were put in place at a time when there was a shortage of taxicabs at LaGuardia, which is no longer the case. Therefore, the TLC and the Port Authority agree there is no longer a need for this group ride rate.

The TLC is interested in studying, by means of a pilot program, whether a different group ride structure might attract more passenger interest. For instance, it may be that there are shortages of taxicabs at the airport at certain times of day, or at certain locations such as the Marine Air Terminal, where many commuters arrive on shuttle flights. Also, it may be that business travelers who are heading to similar destinations in the Manhattan Business District may be interested in a group ride program. The repeal of the existing unused group ride structure would be necessary to facilitate such future pilot programs.