The other day I was crossing a busy intersection and saw a reckless cab driver turn left. He didn't run a red light (it was green), but he was driving way too fast given the number of pedestrians crossing the street.

I looked back and made a note of his cab number. I e-mailed the Taxi and Limousine Commission about it. I knew that verification would be an issue, but I figured it was worth reporting.

The next day I got a call from the Commission. The woman was very nice and appreciative that I reported the incident. However, for the complaint to be processed, I would have to attend an administrative hearing. I asked if I could file an affadavit. She said no--that was only available for out-of-city residents.

I understand that reports needed to be authenticated and that attendance at a hearing is a good check on frivolous or inaccurate allegations. But boo to a system that makes it harder for a New York City resident than it does for a non-resident to catch reckless cabbies. I'm in effect being penalized for trying to make my hometown safer.

But major kudos to New York City for responding to my report within one day. The representative was nice and intelligent. Bureaucratic rules aren't her fault. Annoying rules aside, it's nice to see such a large organization be so responsive to city residents, and that a complaint filed on its Web site receives fast attention.