According to the New York Post, Mayor Bloomberg has a goal of creating a green taxi fleet. The idea is commendable -- but limiting the solution to hybrids and diesels is wrong for New York according to Ron Sherman, president of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, which represents about a quarter of the taxicabs in New York City.
Mr. Sherman points out the the size of the hybrids puts the partition between the driver and the passenger much closer to the passenger's face, creating a safety issue. The hybrids are also not designed for the 24/7 use that a taxicab gets in New York City.
The Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade has offered an alternative proposal for the New York City taxis that includes, but is not limited to, hybrids. The Ford Transit Connect is one cab he suggests as an alternative to hybrids. It is larger than the hybrids, fuel efficient and safe. Hopefully, his suggestions will be listened to. Being sensitive to pollution is good, but we need to look at the total picture before we take actions that may have unintended consequences.
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