Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi in New York

In the Fall of 2008, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced an initiative to “increase the use of fuel efficient and environmentally friendly taxicabs”. Reuters carried a story in May of 2007 quoting Mr. Bloomberg as saying that by October 2008 New York City would have 1,000 hybrids. The article estimates that New York City cab drivers could save up to $10,000 (USD) annually on gasoline as a result of the switch (depending on the price of fuel). At the time of the Reuters piece there were 375 hybrid taxis (out of a total fleet of 13,000 vehicles) in New York City. A year later there were nearly 1,500 hybrid taxis in the city. The city was well on its way to a fuel efficient fleet. However, Mr. Bloomberg’s plan to replace each of the city’s ubiquitous yellow taxis with “green” vehicles by 2012, all of which would average at least 30 miles per gallon, was blocked by a New York City judge.

Several other cities are shifting their fleets toward more fuel efficient vehicles. In an article earlier this week, the Denver Post reported on the preponderance of hybrids in Denver. According to the article, 10% of the city’s 400 taxis are Toyota Priuses. “Chris Cotter, Metro Taxi’s director of sustainable initiatives, said Metro replaces one or two conventional cabs with Priuses each month on average, although the recession could slow that down.” The article also cites Phoenix, which has 75 hybrids amongst its cabs. Denver in particular is taking other unique steps to lower its energy consumption. A related article from the Denver Post states that “Metro Taxi fires the furnace at its headquarters . . . with used motor oil from the cabs, relies on energy-efficient light bulbs and recycles other wastes from its workshop operations.” These steps have reduced the company’s energy bill by 60%. Furthermore, the article states that “The Prius saves five times as much on fuel costs as regular gas-powered cabs.” Despite the upfront cost, the long term economic and environmental benefits become readily apparent.

- Eric Wilson