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Square gets the green light to proceed with NYC taxi payment program (update)

Square gets the green light to proceed with NYC taxi payment program (update)

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Square has been approved for a pilot program that will integrate its mobile payment technology within 30 New York City cabs.

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Square Card Reader 1 1020
Square Card Reader 1 1020

AllThingsD is reporting Square has received the go-ahead from New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission for a pilot program that will outfit 30 NYC taxis with its mobile payment technology. An initial report from the New York Times revealed that Square was scheduled to make its official presentation to the commission today, so it would seem the company's proposal got the stamp of approval rather promptly.

Each of the designated cabs will be equipped with an iPad allowing riders to pay their fare and elect whether to receive a receipt by paper, email, or SMS. Drivers will be provided iPhones running a customized version of Square's app, giving them the ability to set tolls and message dispatch, according to TechCrunch. They'll also gain the ability to monitor traffic conditions, so next time you're sitting in midtown congestion with the meter climbing, you'll know who to blame. New Yorkers can expect to start swiping their plastic across Square's unmistakable dongle within the next few weeks — assuming they're lucky enough to enter one of those 30 taxis in the first place.

Update: It turns out that both iPads and iPhones will be involved in the Square pilot program. We've updated the article to reflect this information.