NYC To Get Hybrid Taxi Fleet By 2012

"Every yellow cab in this city will be a fuel-efficient hybrid by 2012, and stricter emissions and gas-mileage standards for taxis will be phased in starting next year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday.

There are now 375 hybrid vehicles among the 13,000 taxis rolling on New York streets. Under Bloomberg's plan, that number will increase to 1,000 by October 2008 and will grow by about 20 percent each year until 2012."

"Hybrid vehicles run on a combination of gasoline and electricity, emitting less exhaust and achieving higher gas mileage per gallon. Hybrid models tested include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and Ford Escape.

The standard yellow-cab vehicle, the Ford Crown Victoria, gets 14 mpg; in contrast, Ford Escape taxis get 36 mpg."