NEWS

STATEMENT FROM THE COMMISSIONER CONCERNING HYBRID TAXI SAFETY

TLC Commissioner Matthew W. Daus…………

“Considering the fact that hybrid taxicabs have logged over 70 million miles in New York City, their safety record is actually quite impressive. The important thing to come away with in any objective discussion about these vehicles is that they feature federally-certified safety engineering that prioritizes passenger protection over any other consideration, and that both the TLC and the Ford Motor Company are confident in their safety and performance as New York City taxicabs.”

On Background…………….

  • 1.3 million Ford Escapes sold since introduction in 2001 – no major recalls. Lisa Fleming, Ford, 212-265-2839


  • Hybrid taxicabs have logged in more than 70 million miles.


  • If you read the MTBOT’s release carefully, it keeps coming back to the vehicle being “totaled” in a crash….this is not about passenger safety, it’s about how well the vehicles survive! What they are not saying is that these vehicles are engineered to sacrifice material to redistribute the energy of a crash so that the passengers are actually better protected than in a Crown Vic, which is heavier and more “unyielding.”


 

TEMPORARY CHANGES TO REPLACEMENT RULES FOR TAXICABS

INDUSTRY NOTICE #08-15

In response to pending litigation, TLC is instituting a temporary change to rules and procedures governing replacement of vehicles during the month of October 2008

1. Vehicles Scheduled For Retirement: For those vehicles scheduled for retirement in October 2008, TLC will allow that vehicle to be operated until the end of October as an alternative to such replacement, provided all inspection requirements are met. If an owner chooses to replace a vehicle scheduled for retirement in October 2008, the 25 mpg standard set forth in TLC Rule § 3-03(c)(10) will apply

2. Replacement of Vehicles Not Scheduled for Retirement in October 2008: For those vehicles not scheduled for retirement in October 2008, the following replacement procedures will apply during October 2008.

A. A vehicle that replaces an active taxi and does not comply with the new 25 mpg standard set forth in TLC Rule § 3- 03(c)(10) or is not an approved wheelchair accessible vehicle will inherit the retirement date of the vehicle it is replacing. Should the pending litigation make TLC Rule § 3- 03(c)(10) invalid, then the inheritance date requirement will no longer apply and a new retirement date will be set for such vehicles consistent with the TLC Rules.

Below is a list of vehicles that do not comply with TLC Rule § 3-03(c)(10), but which may be used as a replacement vehicle during October 2008:

  • 2008, 2009 Ford Crown Victoria Stretch


  • 2008, 2009 Toyota Sienna CE


B. A vehicle that replaces an active taxi and complies with the 25 mpg standard set forth in TLC Rule § 3-03(c)(10) or is an approved wheelchair accessible vehicle will not inherit the retirement date affiliated with the vehicle it is replacing but will be entitled to a full vehicle life cycle pursuant to TLC rules whether or not the pending litigation makes TLC Rule § 3-03(c)(10) invalid.

Below is a list of vehicles that comply with the 25 mpg standard:

  • 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid


  • 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Lexus RX400H Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid


  • 2008, 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid


  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

 

Below is a list of vehicles that comply with the TLC accessible vehicle standards:

  • Autovan modified Toyota Sienna


  • Eclipse Mobility modified Dodge Caravan


  • Freedom Motors modified Toyota Sienna

Of course, all taxicabs must comply with TLC inspection requirements. To assist the TLC in expeditiously approving replacement vehicles, please call the hack site at (718) 267-4501 upon determination that a replacement vehicle is necessary.

Also, fleet owners are reminded that they may use stand-by vehicles, as set forth in Section 1-59 of the TLC rules, to replace any retired taxicab for up to 30 days after that retirement, and the use of stand-by vehicles otherwise subject to a 30 day deadline will be extended until November 1, 2008 so that owners who wish to postpone vehicle replacement until the pending litigation is resolved may do so.

For more information, including updated list of approved vehicles and postings of retirement dates for all medallion taxicabs, please visit the TLC website at www.nyc.gov/taxi.

 

 

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.