NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission has approved a plan that will let riders use their smartphones to “e-hail” yellow cabs.

Under the plan approved Thursday, downloaded apps will link customers with drivers starting Feb. 15.

Commissioner David Yassky says the city will lay down some ground rules to accommodate people raising their arm to stop a cab the old-fashioned way.

But the commissioner says that as long as the technology exists, it should be available to customers and drivers.

Until now, the city has banned yellow taxis from prearranging rides.