Gothamist: City's Hybrid Taxi Requirment Hit With Lawsuit

DarkGemini

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:30:22 -0500

That's great Duane. They're not afraid to install a carseat in your Escape. So, how many hybrids have you wrecked again? Thought so. I'm not so much afraid, than I am smart enough to do my own research and draw my own conclusions. I've come to the conclusion that the chic factor of owning a hybrid doesn't negate the numerous drawbacks. Never once did I challenge NYFD's knowledge of or ability to perform their job. That insinuation was all your doing. Which is borderline hypocritical, by the way, coming from a man who needs help installing a car seat, but I digress. Further to the point of Hybrids not being the answer, in the grand scheme of things, it's a proven fact that hybrid vehicles have a larger carbon footprint than a Hummer H1.

Duane

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:58:54 -0500

glennQNYC I've driven a hybrid for almost 3 years. Go back to watching McCain ads.

NannyState

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:22:15 -0500

They hate it now, wait till next year when the Mayor mandates all cabs be Smart Cars.

glennQNYC

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:18:32 -0500

Duane, the high voltage present in an electric hybrid presents an additional hazard to everyone present. Look into it.

Duane

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:49:00 -0500

To DarkGemini: Hybrids have been on the road 10 years now. Show me a single firefighter or first responder who's been injured by coming to the aid of folks in a damaged or destroyed hybrid or electric vehicle. Fearmongering is so '80s. Fire dept. had no issues or ill will checking out carseat installation in our Ford Escape Hybrid. The system, like the fuel delivery system in all modern autos BTW, automatically kills the electrical power in a catastrophic crash. And there's a readily accessible kill switch. Not to mention fire fighters and first responders respond to all manner of hazards, including burning infernos from train derailments, gas/fuel tanker crashes, etc. You insult their skills and training by acting as though a hybrid electric vehicle is somehow beyond or challenging to their skillset, tools and training.

JMH

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:30:50 -0500

If cab drivers were actually concerned about passengers' safety, they'd drive slower and look before they changed lanes.

Derekasaurus

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:35:20 -0500

Let them drive without hybrids. The ones who do have hybrids will save more money in the long run and since the non-hybrids can't charge more, they'll be at a disadvantage. Usually I would agree, but I know the next time gas prices spike they'll come crying for a fuel surcharge. Why invest now in a good long-term solution when the customer can subsidize a bad decision later?

glennQNYC

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:10:23 -0500

Lawsuits tangle every other proposal to get something done; why not this?

evidiot

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:48:52 -0500

Wait, since when are cab drivers worried about passengers' safety? Answer: when it costs them money.

UnrepentantFenian

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:33:43 -0500

Actually Ford is looking to dump the Vic. It is only available through fleet purchase now.

DarkGemini

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:57:14 -0500

I'll pass on those Hybrid's, thanks. Stop by your local firehouse, and ask the crew there what they think of rescuing accident victims from a hybrid vehicle, and you too will share my lack of enthusiasm for hybrid vehicles.

Toby von Meistersinger

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:44:34 -0500

I wonder if Ford is working on a hybrid Crown Vic.

Kojak

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:31:41 -0500

Let them drive without hybrids. The ones who do have hybrids will save more money in the long run and since the non-hybrids cant charge more, they'll be at a disadvantage.

Outter Burrougher

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:06:16 -0500

1) California sets different emissions standards and I believe other states can follow either the Federal or the California guidelines; 2) They aren't saying those cars can't be on the road; they're saying that they won't be licensed as cabs. There's a big difference.