Taxicabs in NYC have been sporting new information terminals in the passenger cabin of each car. These installations seem to be a win for everybody. Passengers are provided with a constant stream of information including their real time location as provided by the GPS locator, real time update of their fare, and the latest local national and international news and weather (sponsored by advertisers). Cab drivers and owners get an additional revenue source to offset increasing gas prices. Advertisers get access to a very captive audience. However, it does lead to the question – should any space be strictly “off-limits” for marketing messages? (e.g. the perfect captive audience is in restrooms and we have also started seeing advertising in various public bathrooms already). Should there be an expectation of quietness for certain spaces? Should there be an “off” button should people wish to just enjoy silence or have an uninterrupted moment to themselves? (Incidentally, these taxi information terminals do have a button which disables the device should passengers wish to simply enjoy the ride.)
