Pimpin' Out In Cabs The Green Way

Thanks to [CAST (The Coalition Advertising Smart Transportation)], NYC has hopped on the hug-the-world bandwagon with hybrid taxi cabs. Fifteen months ago, [The Taxi & Limousine Commission approved 10 hybrid-electric car models for use as taxicabs](http://www.nysun.com/article/47923?page_no=2). Now cab owners, be they individuals or fleet operators, can cruise along in any one of a number of hybrids: the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Highlander Hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid or the Lexus 400h. The last of these options is exactly what Samuel Pekoh and his colleague Clifford Hammon-Adler picked up: two shiny new hybrid RX400hs Lexuses (or Lexi?), each $52,000. Now, they’re the belles of the cabbie ball.

In these fancy new taxis that are popping up all over the city, drivers are able to choose between a partition or a still camera. In the old Crown Victorias, the partition was more popular because it's cheaper. But the sleek new hybrids have been encouraging medallion owners to splurge on the still camera so as not to upset the sexy design.

Mr. Pekoh told the NY Sun that his daily gas expenses have dropped to about $20 from $65 since he got his Lexus, but that the insurance costs him significantly more.

Last May, The Taxi & Limousine Commission increased the number of alternative fuel medallions it awards to 254 from 64 and Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he wants the commission to sell another 150 for cars that will be wheelchair accessible.