Uber is first e-hail app to be approved in NYC’s yearlong pilot program

New York City’s pilot program for e-hail apps officially starts today and Uber is the first provider to be approved, confirms Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky.

The one-year pilot program was approved by the Taxi and Limousine Commission in December 2012, and okayed by the New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday.

“There are several other companies in various stages of our approval process with others sure to join them,” says Yassky, “and we are excited about the prospect of seeing the universe of choices expand.”

Those others include Hailo, which already sent out emails giving select users access to the startup’s live beta program.

Uber attempted to roll out its e-hail services last fall, but quietly closed up shop in October.