Well, the lights atop taxis were fun while they lasted. But, as threatened, they are soon to be a thing of the past. Starting in the fall taxi medallion owners will start taking down the old lights and installing less "confusing" lights with the binary option of being on or off duty.
So, in this new world order, how will you know when a cab is available? Its medallion number will be lit up. If it is dark, it will not be taking you home. Apparently the current system (which has four possible permutations) is, at least according to TLC chair David Yassky, "far too confusing for the average rider."
But for now, we get to keep the old system. And really, it isn't that hard. Both lights off? The cab is occupied. Off-duty light off and medallion number lit up? On duty and ready to pick you up! Off-duty light on and medallion number on? Available for trips at the cabbie's discretion. Off-duty lights on and medallion number dark? The cab is done for its shift.
