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New York City Black Cars Must Go ‘Green’

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With fuel prices going up and pollution on the rise, New York City has imposed a new standard for Black Cars (aka Lincoln Town Cars.) Beginning on January 1, 2009 all “black cars” that come into service must get a minimum of 25 miles per gallon while driving in the city.

The emission rich black car must go green in NYC.

On January 1, 2010 this will be raised to 30 MPG city driving.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said:

“It is great news for all New Yorkers that the Taxi and Limousine Commission unanimously voted to turn city black cars green. The Commission approved our proposal, part of PlaNYC, to boost fuel efficiency standards in the black cars that service corporate clients to a level currently achievable only by using hybrid technology. This will mean lowered fuel costs for black car drivers who often idle, reduced emissions for residents, and keep us moving towards our long-term goal of creating a truly sustainable city,” said the mayor, who thanked the corporations that use black cars “for their cooperation and leadership throughout this process.”

Black cars account for 2% of New York’s transportation emissions. These cars emit 272,000 tons of CO2 equivalents annually.