Taxi of Tomorrow finalists unveiled -- now the city wants to hear from you

The city's Taxi and Limousine Commission today announced three finalists in the competition to build a purpose-built taxicab that would eventually take over the entire New York City taxi fleet.

Three vehicles, one by Ford one by Nissan and one by Turkish based Karsan.  The three vehicles were selected based on criteria established stakeholders and evaluated by staff from the TLC and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. Factors included in the evaluation were safety, durability, comfort, visual appeal and accessibility.

"Taxicabs have always been iconic of New York City," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  "Although the city has long set standards for our taxi, we have never worked with the auto industry to design a taxi especially for New York City.  That is until now."

Seven vehicle companies submitted proposals and the city has narrowed the options down to three.  Now the city wants to hear from their "most important stakeholder" - the general public.  Members of the public can go on the web and submit the factors most important aspects that they want to see in the new taxi.  Those who submit feedback will be entered to win a year of free taxi rides.

TLC Chairman David Yassky stressed that people won't be voting on a specific vehicle, but rather simply the important factors.

The Commission may end up selecting from the three or may decide that none of them are best for the city and start the process over.

"The Nissan vehicle has the most leg room and trunk space," said Yassky.  "Ford has a terrific history with this industry. Karsan did design a vehicle that is not just roomy and visually appealing, it's also accessible."  

"Comfort, durability and performance are by far most important," he noted.

While the purpose built taxi may cost a little more than a Crown Victoria Yassky says that the final vehicle will be more sustainable and because of a single vehicle the city will be able to negotiate the best deal for owners, which will translate into the best fares for customers.

The three finalists have been given thirty days to provide their "best and final offers" after which TLC and MOPD staff will make a decision.

“The challenge before the TLC is clear. Taxi riders of tomorrow are looking for durability, access for the disabled, safety, comfort and sustainability," said City Council Transportation Committee Chairman James Vacca.  "Can one vehicle address all those requirements and be the iconic representation of our city? That's the million dollar question!  I look forward to hearing from New Yorkers on what they want the taxi of the next decade to look like for New York City.”

Yassky said the final vehicle could be announced as early as next year and on the streets in 2013.

The new vehicle will be phased in as vehicles are retired.