NEW YORK, NY March 14, 2008 —The TV monitors, credit card machines and GPS systems that many drivers worried would be an invasion of privacy are now permanent.

A spokesperson for the city's Law Department says, "This is a complete victory for the city and it will allow all taxi passengers to enjoy the benefits of these service improvements."

The lawsuit was part of a fight that also resulted in two work stoppages last fall by the group Taxi Workers Alliance.

TWA's Bhavarvi Desai says they dropped the suit because it was becoming too costly and that drivers needs were thought to be better served through legislation.

A City Council bill that's being drafted seeks to reduce the mandatory 5 percent credit card fee drivers are now charged.

For WNYC, I'm Kathleen Horan.