You can catch a Taxi of Tomorrow today.
The first two of the Nissan NV200 cabs — full of rider amenities like cell phone charging ports and see-through roofs — have already hit the streets despite an ongoing court battle, according to the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
“People, they love the car,” cabbie Ranjit Singh, who bought an NV200. “They say (they) want sit there all day. I’m serious. Some people say, I ‘don’t want to go to the office.’ They love this car.”
The city struck a 10-year deal for Nissan to be the exclusive provider of yellow cabs but judges have ruled the Bloomberg administration needed — but failed — to secure City Council approval for such a sweeping policy move.
The city is appealing the latest decision in favor of the Greater New York Taxi Association, which opposed the one-model mandate and filed a legal challenge.
While the courts ruled the city can’t mandate cabbies buy the NV200, it remains an attractive option for drivers who have to regularly buy new vehicles, TLC officials said.
“It’s so exciting that people will finally have the opportunity to enjoy this incredible taxicab,” TLC Chairman David Yassky said. “After years of explaining its comforts and amenities to people, and showing them photos and diagrams, they will now be able to hail one and see it, feel it and enjoy it.”
The Taxi of Tomorrow project, however, has been fraught with controversy and criticism, particularly from advocates for the disabled because the city didn’t require that the cabs be wheelchair accessible. Advocates for the disabled also are still challenging the Taxi of Tomorrow in court, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The NV200’s features also include:
o Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, offering substantial improvements over current and recently-unveiled taxi models;
o Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit;
o Opening side windows;
o Independently controlled rear air conditioning;
o Actived carbon-lined headliner to help neutralize interior odors;
o Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings;
o Mobile charging ports for passengers, including a 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports;
o Breathable, antimicrobial, environment-friendly, durable and easy-to-clean seat fabric, simulating the look and feel of leather; and
o Flat “no hump” passenger floor area for more comfortable ride.
