NEWS

INDUSTRY NOTICE # 06-14
(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED) AUGUST 2, 2006 - UPDATED – JANUARY 17, 2007

NEW—2007 TOYOTA SIENNA CE APPROVED FOR USE AS A NEW YORK CITY TAXICAB

2007 STRETCH CROWN VICTORIA; FORD ESCAPE HYBRID MODELS APPROVED FOR USE AS NEW YORK CITY TAXICABS

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) today announced that, following a review of the specifications of the 2007 Toyota Sienna CE, 2007 Ford (Stretch) Crown Victoria Taxi Package, and the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid-Electric, both of these vehicles have been found to meet the requirements for Safety and Emissions approval to become an authorized taxicab in the City of New York.

As with Toyota Highlander, Prius and Camry models, the 2007 Toyota Sienna CE will require the installation of a Modified Side Curtain Airbag Partition. With the prevalence of side curtain airbags, many new model vehicles will require the Modified Side Curtain Airbag Partition in the future. If you have any questions about partition specifications, please call the Hack Site at (718) 267-4501.

DRIVER CAMERA SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS

USE OF PARTITIONS AND CAMERAS

 
Partitions
Cameras
Yellow Taxicabs
12,411
95%
617
5%

Community Car
Service (Livery)
15,356*
69%
7,000**
31%

* Based on cameras estimate
** Based on data from camera manufacturers and installers


PROPOSED CAMERA RULES

  • Sample of available camera models that meet the
    proposed rules:

    — Honeywell FareView

    — Verifeye TaxiCam Mark IV (with expanded memory)

    — Raywood Snapshot RDC -3010 (with expanded memory)

  • Clear technical standards may lead to additional companies and models


IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Estimated Costs

In-Vehicle Camera Systems Models Currently In Use

Verifeye Taxicam MarK III and IV: $625

Raywood 3010: $775

Potential Memory Upgrades to Current Models to Meet Proposed Specifications

Verifeye Taxicab Mark IV: $85

Raywood 3010: TBD

Models That Are Known to Meet Proposed Specifications

Verifeye Taxicam MK IV (additional memory included): $750

Raywood 3010 (additional memory included): TBD

Honeywell Fareview: $750

FOR-HIRE VEHICLES

Regulatory Concern: Prevalence of older, high mileage FHVs

Total FHV Vehicles: 37,844
Average Age of Liveries: 8 years
Average Age of Black Cars: 5 years
Average Mileage of Liveries: 200,000

  • Many FHVs are “recycled” high mileage cars— former black cars or taxicabs
  • They require additional maintenance to ensure safety and reliability

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.