Finally, The Taxi Of Tomorrow Arrives. Woo. Hoo.

by Jack Baruth

September 24th, 2012 8:06 AM

finally the taxi of tomorrow arrives woo hoo

Nissan’s NV200 has stepped over the extremely low bar set out for it by the notorious New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. From now on, all retired cabs must be replaced by the Mexican-assembled minivan.

The NV200 features a 150,000-mile powertrain warranty, which may soothe the fears of some medallion-holders for a while. Given that 150,000 miles is just the starting point for a Panther-platform car or Camry Hybrid, however, it’s a safe bet that many of the current cab operators are wondering what they can do to delay the purchase of this expensive and difficult-to-service Nissan.

Comments

Join the conversation

7 of 67 comments

MRF 95 T-Bird on Sep 25, 2012

As a long time NY'r who is a car owner, every day mass transit user and occasional cab passenger I find the idea of an official, one size fit's all cab to be just not necessary. The cab market works quite well as it is. There is a wide variety of makes and models of cabs available that suit the public quite well. From Prius' which get double the MPG of the NV,diesel Jetta's to various mini-vans and Ford Escape Hybrids they all see to fit the needs of passengers and get the same or better MPG. I'm 6'2" and can fit comfortably in any of these vehicles. Even in the heyday of the Checker Cab many owners still used other mid ex. Dodge Coronet or full sized ex. Impala, cars that were quite durable in Travis Bickel era NYC.

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- CelticPete on Sep 25, 2012
  
  I been living in NYC 10 years. And ride in cabs almost every day. No way are those smaller Prius and Escape cabs comfortable. I don't know why you are spreading misinformation but its just not true. Once you put a divider in - even cars with big backseats - there is simply no leg room for taller individuals. I am 6'4" but its not even that room for my 5'4 girlfriend.
  
  Like
- MRF 95 T-Bird on Sep 25, 2012
  
  @CelticPete To clarify actually my 6'2" frame can fit in most of these cabs though the regular wheelbase Crown Vic w/divider can be a bit tight. The LWB version is much better. The Prius and Escape fit fairly well. I have yet to sit in back of a Jetta but I am sure it is tight for me, I wonder why a compact was approved since they are tight in back. Jetta TDI wagon that might fit well. Do I wish for the room of a Checker, sure but one-size-fits all taxi of tomorrow is not the answer. Maybe there should be some minimum rear seat size requirements before any cab is approved, that way there can be a decent variety of manufacturers producing cabs.
  
  Like
Amca on Sep 25, 2012

What they don't realize is that the Scion xB, the box on wheels, makes the most perfect cab ever. Roomy back set. Trim size (crucial to keep cabs from blocking traffic, as they are wont to do). Cheap and efficient. Absolutely perfect.

Like Reply
- CelticPete on Sep 25, 2012
  
  I think you understimate teh size of dividers. That car has great leg room for a economy car in the back. But the divider will make that tight. A purpose built cab is a very good idea if you arent' going to mandate long wheelbase crown vics.
  
  Like
CelticPete on Sep 25, 2012

Some very odd comments here.. I mean the Ford Escape...as a good Cab? Seriously. That thing has ZERO leg room. I purposely skip it. Most crown vics are extended wheelbase and very roomy indeed. I will miss them. The connect things seems okay - not sure why Nissan got picked over that though.. As for regulation - you can be a tea party guy and support SOME regulation. Come on now -lets not be so polarized. They need taxi cab regulation to prevent you from being driven by crazy people and getting rejected by anyone who just doesn't want to take you somewhere - or having some randomnly high rates being thrown your way. Taxis in NYC are heck of alot better then San Fran from what I can tell. Actually I get why NYC guys are so cocky - it does have the best public transportation in the US near as I can tell..

Like Reply
Mr_min on Sep 25, 2012

All I see is a Johnny Cab. Johnnycab: The fare is 18 credits, please. [Quaid gets out] Douglas Quaid: Sue me, dickhead! [cab tries to run him down, crashes, and explodes] Johnnycab: We hope you enjoyed the ride!

Like Reply