The city Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has voted to allow livery cab drivers to legally pick up street hails in the outer boroughs.

Owners of the signature yellow cabs have sued over the plan. The Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade argued that it's unfair to owners who pay hefty fees for what has been an exclusive citywide right.

Officials say thousands of licenses will now be issued to livery cabbies at $1,500 each. They say that price will double next year and triple the year after that.

Livery cabbies get green light to legally pick up street hails