Last week I was amazed to have ridden in a real live hybrid Ford Escape Taxi. Following a pronouncement some months ago, the city will transform all of its taxis to hybrids in the next coming years. I think it’s a good move; less pollution, less gas usage, and….MORE COMFORTABLE taxis!
You get normal seats like any other modern car. NOBODY drives cars with seats like in the current taxis any more. They all feel like stiff, dried up leather or vinyl and are totally uncomfortable. But with modern interior design in the Ford Escape hybrid and others soon to follow, I really like it even beyond the environmental aspect.
I am reminded of taxis I’ve ridden in other places.
From LAX to my place in Marina Del Rey, I take a taxi every week. AND IT SUCKS. These cars are the old version of today’s NYC taxis, with barely any leg room at all. Now I’m not a tall guy, but I can barely sit straight ahead because my knees are shoved up against the back of the front seats. In NYC, they used to be like that too a few years ago I recall, and they changed them all sometime between then and now.
In London, they still have those cool retro looking taxis that have TONS of legroom, plenty of space for putting shopping bags, and really comfortable seats. Somebody once told me that NYC used to have taxis like that. Too bad they’re gone. But I love taking a taxi in London. It’s one of the best taxi experiences ever.
And then there’s taxi riding in Taipei. A harrowing experience at best. Nobody follows traffic laws, and there are motorbikes whizzing by you, weaving in between the cars like they got some invulnerability kick. Crazy!
Whenever public transit gets updated, I’m likin’ it. As long as I don’t die by the driving, I’m good.