The Taxi & Limousine Commission this morning approved the Nissan NV 200 for the city’s over 13,000 yellow cabs, officially ending the two decade era of the Crown Victoria.
City cabs will have to be a Nissan – dubbed the “Taxi of Tomorrow” – beginning in the fall of 2013.
Any vehicle purchased before then can remain on the streets until it has to be retired due to wear and tear, usually every five years.
The TLC board approved the Nissan as the city’s official taxi in a five-two vote.
TLC Commission David Yassky said the switch to the Nissan, which is being tailor made specifically for the New York City taxi industry, is a “leap forward.”
“We won’t just leave it to the auto industry to put cars out and then hope it meets the needs of the industry,” he said.
New Yorkers always pester him to bring back the iconic checker cab, he said.
“I truly believe that when this fleet hits the streets, I’m not going to hear that anymore,” he said.
The Nissan will have phone chargers, a panoramic sun roof, grab handles and a step for easy access.
Critics fault the Nissan for not being handicapped accessible.
It can be retrofitted to allow wheelchairs for an extra cost.
Some cabs will also be allowed to use the MV-1, a vehicle that comes equipped to transport wheelchairs straight off the assembly line.