Mayor of Seattle wants taxis to be hybrids
Seattle is a city that seems to have it all. A great nightlife, lots of places to get coffee,
So, are the taxi owners jumping for joy over this new scheme? Not exactly. Mangit Singh, a driver interviewed by KOMO, makes the case that it would be too expensive because of increased insurance expenses and the cost of buying new vehicles. He thinks they should get a "subsidized program". Perhaps Seattle's cabbies should call up their buddies at T.C. Transportation Services in Spokane (their taxi is pictured above) and ask how they managed to swing the hybrid ownership expense. Or perhaps increased gas taxes might help persuade them to try it out. Either way, the proposal must be first passed by city council before it can be implemented.
[Source: KOMOTV]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sos10 12:49PM (3/13/2008)
Maes perfect sense. All urban (only or mainly) traffic should be electric or at least hybrid. It is completely possible, the only thing needed is political willpower.
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Wildgoosechase73 4:39PM (3/13/2008)
Given that most cabbies drive former police cars which go for about $5000, a new Prius would go for $21,000. I don't know of cabbies making enough or have the credit for a $500 car payment. Those who lease would face a 400% increase in their costs.
I'd hate to guess what a ride to the airport would cost.
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Nick Littlejohn 3:18PM (3/14/2009)
There have been a few customers, he said, who have thanked him for doing his part for the environment. But ultimately, it's saving money on gas. He was asked if the hybrid was making a difference in his life.
"$400 a month," he said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/331573_hybridtaxi14.html
Herm 4:52PM (3/14/2009)
I have heard the same from a cabbie friend.. they cant afford it. I mentioned the lower fuel cost and maintenance (brakes) and he said they still cant afford it.
AMcA 10:28PM (3/13/2008)
I'd gladly pay double the taxes (and prices) I pay now, if only the government would buy everyone hybrids!
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justin 2:03PM (3/14/2008)
this could be wrong but I heard that Seatac cabbies can only bring people from seatac to seattle, and only seattle cabbies can take people to the airport.
we could get double the efficiency if this policy was changed!
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Chris M 10:49PM (3/14/2008)
Seattle is fairly close to where the first Prius taxi was put into service, in Vancouver, B.C.
That taxi was quite successful, not only with greatly reduced fuel costs, but also reduced maintenance as well. In fact, the savings in maintenance alone paid for the "hybrid premium" in less than two years.
Another unexpected benefit of the Prius taxi - the electric power steering was less stressful for the driver, being responsive and highly manuverable.
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