Hybrid Taxis To Replace Crown Victorias

Amid opposition from some medallion fleet owners and taxi operators, the city's Taxi & Limousine Commission yesterday approved a deal that would replace the city's iconic Crown Victoria taxicabs with hybrid automobiles in the coming years.

Taxis beginning service in October 2008 must achieve at least 25 city miles a gallon, and in 2009 new taxis must achieve 30 city miles a gallon. The Crown Victoria gets about 10 city miles per gallon, TLC officials said.

Not everyone is looking forward to the change. The director of business development for the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, Joseph Giannetto, said the Ford Escape, one of the taxi hybrids now on the road, has a lower safety rating than the Crown Victoria.

"We don't know much about the safety or durability of these hybrid taxis. A New York taxi is on the road perhaps more than any other vehicle in the world and demands more attention of safety and durability," Mr. Giannetto said.