Hybrids Coming, Says TLC; TS, Say Cab Owners

The Times' City Room says taxis are about to go hybrid in a hurry. To meet the Taxi and Limousine Commission's October 1 deadline for 25-mpg, low-emission cabs -- which pretty much requires all new cabs be hybrids -- and a 2012 all-hybrid fleet, the city announced it has contracted with Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan to pump out at least 300 gas-electric taxis a month.

But wait! Reuters says taxi owners are suing the city through their trade organization, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, saying the city has no standing to regulate emissions and fuel efficiency for cabs.

Cab owners had previously complained about Bloomberg's ambitious mandates for them, but Bloomberg isn't used to paying attention to... well, anyone. A lawsuit will presumably focus his attention.

Image adapted from a Flickr photo by Tomas Fano, used under a Creative Commons license.