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NYC's Taxi Fleets in Race for Hybrids

Fall mandate means a rush to replace 3,000 taxis a year.

By Victoria Floethe,  Newser User

Posted Jul 20, 2008 6:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Big Apple's unprecedented plan to turn its famous yellow cabs green could run into an old-fashioned supply-and-demand problem this fall, USA Today reports. Starting in October, the city is requiring that any new replacement cabs be hybrids. But the transition may be difficult because gas prices have triggered a fever-pitch demand for the fuel-efficient cars. "Consumers have been on waiting lists for months, and even they can't get one," said one analyst.

Buying replacement parts is also a concern. "Our industry moves a million people a day. I don't know what we're going to do if we can't get them in time," a fleet owner said.  Nissan, Ford and GM have pledged to help the city, but the taxi industry will still have to get savvy. "Have faith and be proactive," advised the taxi commissioner. "Get the best deal you can— but do it now."

Come October 1, 2008, fleets will replace 3000 retired cabs a year with hybrids.
Come October 1, 2008, fleets will replace 3000 retired cabs a year with hybrids.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
 The city's fleet of yellow cabs will go entirely hybrid within five years, and all new taxis will have to meet emissions and mileage standards by 2008.
The city's fleet of yellow cabs will go entirely hybrid within five years, and all new taxis will have to meet emissions and mileage standards by 2008.   (AP Photo/File, Adam Rountree)
David Filo, co-founder of Yahoo!, announces the Greenest City in America challenge in New York's Times Square on Monday, May 14, 2007.
David Filo, co-founder of Yahoo!, announces the "Greenest City in America" challenge in New York's Times Square on Monday, May 14, 2007.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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