Check Out What They're Using for Cabs in Boston.

[ekpolk]

Yep, that's right -- Camry hybrids! I spoke with the driver of the one closest in the pic. He loves his and already has over 150k miles. The CVs (of which they have many too) win hands down for trunk space, but these are miles ahead for fuel use. And they're proving reliable too. Also saw a couple of the brand new model Sienna vans as taxis, but at a distance, so no info as to which engine and features in use.

 

[casper]

They have been using hybrids here in Vegas for probably 2 years now. As soon as a large enough all EV car is available I am sure they will be using them instead.

 

[expat]

Most Taxis around here are Hybrid Prius

 

[huffmuds9320]

Over here in SF the taxi companies run a variety of vehicles. Most common is of course the Crown Victoria. As for hybrids I have seen a lot of Ford Escape hybrids and Prius. There are a handful of Camry and Altima hybrids, see one every now and then.

 

[Popinski]

It just doesn't seem American. In Korea, you expect to see Sonata's.. in Japan, Crown's. In America, Crown Vics..

Geez, at least a Hybrid Ford Escape would be cool.

 

[Herz]

Originally Posted By: Popinski
It just doesn't seem American. In Korea, you expect to see Sonata's.. in Japan, Crown's. In America, Crown Vics..

Geez, at least a Hybrid Ford Escape would be cool.


Same thing came to my mind.

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
He loves his and already has over 150k miles. The CVs (of which they have many too) win hands down for trunk space, but these are miles ahead for fuel use.


When I was in NY, one of my plans was to ride in a CV, and I did twice, letting other people have the vans and stuff (I wanted the CV as part of my US experience).

Both drivers hated them, citing fuel consumption in what was essentially a car park as their major bugbear.

 

[Johnny]

So, give us the rest of the scoop. How often do they change the oil and what kind of oil are they using?

I do think they make a nice looking taxi and only the name is un-American. Cars are probably made in Ohio or Alabama.

We really liked our trip to Boston a few years back. Full of history, great places to eat, and for the most part the folks there were very nice. Nothing like NYC.

Here is a little more info on that cab company.

http://bostoncab.us/

 

[Shannow]

Actually, we found the people in NY to be extremely friendly and helpful.

 

[Johnny]

I've been to NYC twice in the past four years and I will never go back there again. Now, NY state is another story. Northern NY is beautiful and the folks up there are great. I already have a trip planned next year for Watkins Glen.

 

[PF52]

A hybrid is probably ideal for taxi use since it shuts off the gas engine when stopped or idling. I can't even fathom how much gas is wasted by taxis idling with the AC on for 8, 10, 12 or more hours a day (it may be different in the big city but here in the suburbs they just congregate at the train stations with the engine running waiting for fares).

On the other hand - does the idling and slow city traffic even develop enough ooomph to keep the car's batteries charged?

 

[cryption]

I would like to see the use of Hydrogen cars more as taxis. LA has a few hydrogen stations, and Honda sold some FCXs in Cali. It would be a good way for people to see the technology works, is clean, and can function like a regular car could without long charges an electric car would need.

 

[Nick R]

Around here (saratoga area) all taxis are Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, or Lincoln Towncars. Or they are mom and pop taxi companies that use almost without fail either a Dodge Grand Caravan, or a Buick or some kind.

 

[The_Jeff]

IIRC the livery colors in boston are regulated/ licensed to the cab companies and the 100 year old companies get all the good combos. I wonder about the "green stripe" and how that fits in.

They say in third world countries one should get a driver and ride in the back seat for safety. Glad to hear you survived Boston the same way.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

I just got back from NYC and the bulk of the cabs are Ford Escape Hybrids...There are still alot of Crown Vics on the street but they are being phased out for hybrids...I did see Camrys,Priuses,Malibu,and Highlander taxis...All of them are Hybrids.

Miami seems to be sticking to the used Crown Victoria Police Interceptors [they do not have to buy new like NYC] until there are no more left.

 

[brianl703]

In Fredericksburg, VA they use just about anything that's a sedan or a minivan. There seems to be no age limit either, I've seen them using '94 Ford Escorts in the last year.

 

[NateDN10]

I once saw a mid-90's, purple Cavalier with rusty wheel wells that purported to be a taxi by its signage. Can't believe he got many customers.

 

[Gary Allan]

I'm sorry. That can't be Boston. Either that or the cab JUST get into service. Any veteran Boston cab is battle scarred to just short of beyond recognition.


..all in due time... Boston traffic regulation is brutal and the drivers match the conditions.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
I'm sorry. That can't be Boston. Either that or the cab JUST get into service. Any veteran Boston cab is battle scarred to just short of beyond recognition.


..all in due time... Boston traffic regulation is brutal and the drivers match the conditions.


I can't dispute Boston traffic conditions with you. Never have I seen such an absurd, irregular maze of irregular streets, 1/3 of which are inexplicably one-way, anywhere in North America. New Orleans driving is tranquil in comparison (although street quality is marginally worse).

All that said, the guy driving 942 told me he had over 150k miles on that Camry (duh -- I should have asked which year...). No question that those cars are frequently washed and well cared for. It is encouraging that they look so good.

 

[rjundi]

The one I rode(Camry Hybrid) in recently in Boston from same company had a torn apart bumper from a good rear hit along with a rattle.