Very interesting Mitchell.

The $10,000 savings is incentive.  However, what are the replacement costs for the taxi owners to comply with the switch-over to fuel efficient vehicles???  I suppose that could be amortized over some years, but it has got to be a significant cost.

Hi Lenn,

Happy Memorial day.

It's a gradual replacement for the taxi owners as their cabs need to be replaced. It doesn't say in the report how much the vehicles cost.

The Ford Crown Victoria, the current workhorse of the taxicab fleet, achieves only 14 miles per gallon (mpg).  After October 2008, all new vehicles entering the fleet must achieve a minimum of 25 mpg (based on EPA city surface street ratings), and after October 2009, all new vehicles must achieve a minimum of 30 mpg.  When fully implemented, the new standards are expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 215,000 tons.  Currently there are only 375 hybrid vehicles in the City's taxi fleet.  By October 2008, the number of hybrids in the fleet will triple.  The phase-in for the City fleet to become completely hybrid is as follows:

• October 2008 - 1000 yellow hybrid taxicabs;
  
• October 2009 - 4000 yellow hybrid taxicabs (30% of the fleet)
  
• October 2010 - 7000 yellow hybrid taxicabs (53% of the fleet)
  
• October 2011 - 10000 yellow hybrid taxicabs (76% of the fleet)
  
• October 2012 - all yellow taxicabs will be hybrid (100% of the fleet)

This is probably good news for NYC and the air.  I wonder if the Cabbies will be able to afford it. 

kk 

My Father and his 30 years at Ford may he RIP, will roll over when I say this but....Ford is not keeping up as well as they should. In theory the Escape is a hybrid but not a very practical taxicab.  The hybrid idea is fantastic and if it's cost prohibitive, maybe a subsidy can be worked out???  You mention the fuel savings and that of course helps pay for the cabs in the long run.

Everyone has commented on the affordability. I will find out how much they cost. I went green a long time ago. I gave up my car in the 80's. I hear they are not practical cars and they don't go very fast but NY taxis are in traffic most of the time. I suppose lack of trunk space is not practical. The subways are the quickest way around Manhattan. We also have a train to the plane (JFK)

Collen had a blog today about 1 year anniversary on active rain. I re read my 1st blog from last July today and it answers how the taxis will be paid for. The city has a $6.1 billion surplus. And the mayor has billions too. lol

 My first Blog

That kind of a surplus could buy a lot of taxis. And yes you led the way in 'going green.'

Yahoo! Donated 10 Hybrid Taxis  I think other corporations will want to donate taxis too. The billboard ads on the roof of taxis are a great advertising vehicle.  

"Yahoo! applauds Mayor Bloomberg's aggressive PlaNYC initiative to build a greener, greater New York City," said Patrick Crane, vice president of marketing, Yahoo! Network Division. "As a company focused on protecting the environment, we found it only fitting to award New York with a fleet of hybrid taxis as part of our 'Be a Better Planet' campaign, which gives people across the country specific ways to take green actions in their hometowns. We challenge other cities across America to follow New York's example as Yahoo! searches for the greenest city in America."

Go get them for Cleveland

I love it Mitchell!  Grand idea.  I think you guys have enough heavy hitters, starting with Trump, who could purchase the entire fleet without any of that surplus money.  lol Our Council Prez is my councilman; I might have to bring this idea up with him!