A small squadron of Volkswagen Jetta taxis has quietly infiltrated the city’s taxi fleet, and more could be on the way.
There are currently 13 of the clean-diesel cabs buzzing around the city – keeping them a rarity among the 13,237 registered taxis.
But Taxi and Limousine Commission officials said any taxi owner is eligible to make them an addition to their garage.
“We are watching it closely, and so far it has been performing well,” TLC Commissioner Matthew Daus said.
“We are continually exploring new kinds of clean-air technology, and the Jetta is a good example.”
The sleek Jettas get more than 29 miles per gallon of gasoline, similar to a hybrid, a main reason why the TLC approved use of the cars last October.
Fifteen percent of the yellow cab fleet, or 1,963 taxis, are considered clean-air cabs.
“It leads the nation,” Daus boasted.
Fuel-efficient taxis get about $15 of fuel savings per driver shift, according to TLC figures, adding up to about $5,000 a year.