Taxi rides in New York City, can be extremely frustrating. You could be riding along quickly to your destination, then hit a pocket of traffic that has you stopped for what seems like an eternity. On top of that, your driver is probably more likely talking on his cell phone or just not interested in talking to you (especially if his English is sketchy). So, unless you have someone to make out with in the back seat with you, how do you pass the time?

Well, the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission has got a solution for you: TV! Like other cities have been doing, the TLC will be rolling out new cabs that have touch-screens installed in the back. On the screens, passengers will be able to see weather and news reports, and help them look up restaurant reviews.

The screens will also have credit card machines to help cash-strapped passengers pay for their rides, and the system will help the TLC track cabs, which will assist riders in finding lost items. And the best part? The passengers can shut the whole thing off if it bothers them, something previous taxi-TV trials didn't allow them to do. That's especially helpful if you have that aforementioned romantic partner back there with you.

[via digg]