Safety? Haven't they seen the crash test ratings? oiy vey!! I'd rather be in an accident in a Prius cab than in a Crown Vic!

Thanks for posting this, NoMo

Exactly! I'm sure they refer to complaints by ignorant passengers who think the gas pedal is going to stick, the car burst into flames, or electricute them.

Nicely rebutted in the next paragraph:

Founder of the all-hybrid Green Cab Co, Gruberg said he can easily fit four in the Prius he's driven for nearly a year, and he vouches for the car's safety and efficiency. These days, he said, Crown Victoria cab drivers shell out $45 to $50 a shift for gas, while hybrid drivers spend $12 or $18 on a busy day.

I bet all the drivers love them and maybe some even try to educate their passengers. We can hope.

I'm seeing more and more Prius taxis in Seattle, too.

Here is a photo of Portland, OR Broadway Cabs with the forrest trees on the rear quarter panels and they are holding a contest to name the cabs. First prize is accomodations at Portland Heathman Hotel Green Rooms.

Oh that white sign on top CANNOT be good for the MPG. Who wants to tell them to take off the whell rims?



Contest details are here Clean Air Cab Contest - Broadway Cab - Portland, Oregon

I like it. The yellow is better than the yellow on NYC Prius taxis I've seen.

But that white top should be rotated 90 degrees.

Those white top signs actually rotate as the car winds down.

Why do you think Broadway Cab looks good?

Its only a political step taken by Dozono who is the CEO of Broadway Cab and is running for Mayor. I work for a competitor who sees no reason to become cleaner. The way Portland is set up, nobody else can start a taxi company in Portland without showing they are not going to take potential customers from another companys. If they pass that, they must get then get permission to do so by Broadway Cab, Radio, Portland Taxi, Green Cab, and Rose City Cab. If they cannot get permission from them, they dont get to operate in Portland City Limits (even if they are a hybrid company). If that was not the case, more hybrids would be on the road more likely. I dont expect to see the hybrid vehicles to become that popular here as drivers are the ones who own the cabs. I only see that as a polical pitch to a city of people who would like to see Portland become greener, and not have the mayoral be known as a big pollutor.