See The "Taxi Of Tomorrow," Live And In Person

Nissan's Taxi of Tomorrow

The Taxi of Tomorrow hasn't necessarily gotten a lot of love from Gothamist once the Karsan Kab was taken out of the running but what can you do? Come 2013, Nissan's NV200 will be flooding the city's streets (occasionally even with wheelchair access), so now is a good a time as any to get to know the old girl, eh? And for that, Nissan has an interactive model on display for one week, starting tomorrow, on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building.

Nissan and the TLC are hoping that by actually seeing what the Nissan is like, some of the ill will felt towards it will melt away. After all, beyond its bland exterior it does share some of the popular features boasted by the Karsan model, including a "panoramic roof" and more legroom, assistance steps and handles. Oh, and an iPod charger.

Not on display? The wheelchair-accessible version of the NV200 that TLC commissioner David Yassky says will also be available. At least the TLC recently added the MV-1 to its lineup. And who knows how the lawsuit saying the TLC is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act will turn out when it makes it through the courts.

The Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow "Design Expo" will be open to the public from noon-9 p.m. tomorrow and then from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in News on October 31, 2011 5:13 PM

Comments [rss]

TCF16

This is a disgrace.
How are they all not wheelchair accessible?!? -- It's 2013 (or will be in a minute).
and I'd like to hear more from SFNY about the corruption involved in the process. I'm not in the least surprised if there was something majorly fishy going on.

SFNY

Every Karsan taxi was accessible, and was going to be built in Brooklyn. But the consultant who recommended the Nissan had also worked for Nissan. Of course, the improprieties didn't start or end there.

Start with a search here on Gothamist (just put Karsan in the box; the stories have some info in the comments), plus there's no shortage of stories/more info elsewhere, from NYT to Crain's to trade pubs.
http://transportationnation.or...
http://test.crainsnewyork.com/...

SFNY

Hey, Gothamist, any update on de Blasio's conflict of interest lawsuit against the MTA consultant who worked for Nissan and not-so-mysteriously recommended Nissan for the ToT?

Detex

More lawsuits? I don't know what I have more of a problem with. Having talked to many taxi drivers it appears they like the Nissan. If it saves gas and lasts as long as the current model who cares? I for one will miss the crown vics, nothing worse than folding myself into a hybrid...

SFNY

So you're fine with the consultant's decision that served not the public's best interests but solely his own and Nissan's? I'm not. De Blasio's filing on behalf of the taxpaying public is a-ok with me.

OleS

Good, it sticks out like a big, ugly yellow sore thumb. Now I'll be able to spot these abominations from a mile away and steer clear of them when I'm on the road.

bawlsdeep

It better run on biofuel, Mister, or I'll be occupying your nice, warm, presumably sheltered from the elements display (which is where exactly?) .