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NYC Releases Results of Taxi-Takers Survey

By Rain Noe - February 16, 2011

in Object Culture

Travis says "We need better design"

In terms of usage, a taxicab is unlike any other car, yet the design does not reflect this. Largely because there is no design. A fleet owner acquires lots of durable cars with inexpensive parts, throws a partition in the middle, paints the whole thing a certain color and that's generally that. Except in maybe Japan, where they at least install an automatic door so that package-laden passengers don't have to put something down to get in.

New York City is attempting to lead the charge into purpose-built taxis with their Taxi of Tomorrow competition, where three manufacturers are vying for a billion-dollar contract. Relevant to this is a rider survey taken by the Taxi and Limousine Commission which should be of interest to would-be transportation designers. Respondents sounded off on why they take taxis (with some weird answers, like "I want some private time") as well as the importance of designing an easier means of egress and exit, better lighting, having on-board cell phone chargers, the need to avoid door-opening collisions, etc. Surprisingly the need to accommodate four passengers in the back, rather than the usual three, rated highly.

The survey's worth a gander and can be downloaded here, and the Times has a summation of the results here. There's still no word on who the frontrunner in the manufacturing competition is, but the City is expected to decide this year.

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Steven Crowell

13 years ago

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Let those who spend the money decide which vehicle to use.

Get rid of illegal partitions.

All of the problems they want to address are solved with the removal of the partition.
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Mitch

13 years ago

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"that's generally that. Except in maybe Japan..."

Or perhaps any major city in the UK where there is probably one of the most iconic taxi designs in the world.
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PIero

13 years ago

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Actually, there is a purpose built taxi, the London Cab. It's designed to accomodate 5 passengers, is wheel chair accesible without expensive modifications and has a short turning radius for the cramped narrow London Streets. It sports a 2.5L diesel for decent power and great fuel ecomony.( which will be converted to H2 Fuel cells for the 2012 Olympics) The addition of a trunk would make that a great vehicle for NYC streets
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Oliver

13 years ago

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LTI TX11 London Hackney Carriage. Compact design, 5 seats, wheelchair access, turning circle of 25ft and the cabby always knows where he's going. Job Done
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nick gogerty

13 years ago

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the survey should be live. give each driver a hashtag. then let twitter sccop up the results. Fine the bad drivers and give out prizes to the best.
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Brian Drake

13 years ago

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Personally, I like Syd Mead's designs for US Steel that he did in the 60s much better:

http://usera.imagecave.com/tuckerfan/taxi01.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/tuckerfan/taxi02.jpg
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