NEW YORK (AP) – In a contentious meeting Thursday, the Taxi and Limousine Commission unanimously approved a plan to install touch-screen monitors in all 13,000 city cabs over the next several months.

About 200 city cabs have been experimenting with the monitors, which will allow riders to pay by credit card, check on news stories, map out where the cab is going and find information about eateries and bars.

Many drivers oppose the monitors on grounds that the technology is costly and would allow officials to check up on them. Taxi officials, including the TLC Commissioner Matthew Daus, have supported the monitors, saying they could boost ridership by eliminating the need for cash, while also giving drivers information about traffic and lost items.

The commission originally called for the technology while approving a 26 percent fare increase in 2004. Four systems have been under consideration, with taxi owners facing a maximum three-year cost of $7,400 for equipment and fees.

Taxi medallion owners will have a deadline of Aug. 1 to select one of four systems, the commission decided Thursday. Starting on Oct. 1, as taxis come up for inspection, they will be required to have the technology.

During the meeting, several drivers spoke out against the plan.

“I cannot afford the computer. What is going to happen to me?” said driver Oscar Luzzi.

Mr. Daus responded, “It was part of the last fare increase.”

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance, a drivers’ advocacy group with more than 7,000 members, held a rally in March to protest the new systems. The group is concerned about the costs – as well as lost working time if the equipment malfunctions – but it also says the global positioning system could lead to inappropriate tracking of drivers’ movements.

The commission has said only pickup and drop-off points and fares will be recorded, information drivers already log.