Marissa Brassfield
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Life as a Boston cabbie is about to get harder: the city recently passed a measure that requires all cab drivers and operators to convert their fleets to hybrid vehicles by 2015. While this is certainly an eco-friendly decision, it’s not a popular one among Beantown cabbies. Most Boston cab drivers currently drive Crown Victorias that cost between $6,000 and $7,000. Purchasing a new hybrid Prius, however, costs around $24,000—a further blow to an industry whose workers have already been crippled by high gas prices. Since Boston cabs must be retired after six years, drivers won’t get much of a financial break buying a used hybrid for the new green fleets. Moreover, insurance for these hybrid cars typically costs more than for Crown Vics, and a Prius’ trunk is far less spacious than that of the cabs most drivers are used to driving.  Requiring taxicabs to go hybrid is an essential step in not only improving air quality, but also improving the quality of our taxi fleet," said Boston Mayor Tom Menino (known locally as Mumbles Menino). "I am confident that these new regulations will greatly improve taxi service in Boston for all residents and our many guests.
(blog.wired)References: cityofboston.gov, blog.wired Filed In: |
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