Just in time for the transit strike, we learn that Big Apple taxis will be cleaner and more energy efficient -- and the SUVs should be able to handle the increased passenger loads as well.
New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission has begun repopulating the fleet with Ford Escape gas-electric hybrid vehicles. "The move makes New York the first major city to deploy hybrid cabs on a regular basis, according to the Coalition Advocating Smart Transportation, which lobbied the New York City Council last summer to adopt the hybrid taxi legislation." (note link to San Francisco program).
"General Motors makes so-called "mild hybrid" models of its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, which receive partial electric assistance. Unlike the Ford-built hybrids, the GM trucks do not idle in electric-only mode."
Thanks to Kim Burmahln
FULL STORY: Big yellow taxis go green
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research