AP: Hybrids try to make it in NYC

[question everything]

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Hybrids try to make it in NYC

A taxi fleet owner said the Ford Escapes are perfect city cabs. "I didn't start out green, but I'm green now."
By David B. Caruso
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Hybrid taxis that get double the gas mileage of traditional cabs while generating far less pollution have begun rolling in small numbers on New York's streets.

Delighted environmentalists, city officials and the chairman of Ford Motor Co. posed with the owner of the first hybrid cabs atop a Manhattan auto showroom Thursday to celebrate last week's quiet debut of the vehicles.

For now, there are only six of the bright yellow Ford Escapes in the city's fleet of more than 12,000 taxis, but owner Gene Freidman said he planned to have 18 on the street by Thanksgiving.

(snip)


Find this article at:
http://www.dailybreeze.com/business/articles/1853461.html

[Coastie for Truth]

1. San Francisco beat NYC

We've got hybrid taxis and rent-a-cars out here in the SF Bay Area,

Gloat - Gloat (My wife is an NYC girl).

[aquart]

2. If fuel in an Escape costs less....

Shouldn't the fares be lower?

[Us vs Them]

3. I don't understand why all taxis aren't hybrids

Cab drivers have to cover their own fuel costs, so you'd think it would be in their best interest. Also, cities who boast hybrid fleets can easily impress visitors.

[skids]

4. In NYC it was bureacracy.

Each model of car used as a cab has to be approved.

[punpirate]

5. Hope they have better luck than the first...

... natural gas taxis. The first natural gas-powered taxi in NYC was hit by an out-of-control bus while the taxi was triple-parked and was pushed about three blocks. :)