Published: May 29, 2007

To the Editor:

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's announcement that the city's yellow taxi fleet will become completely hybrid within five years (news article, May 23) callously ignores the immediate transportation needs of people with severe physical disabilities who cannot enter or exit currently approved hybrid taxi vehicles, as well as New York City's growing aging population, who are much more likely to acquire a physical impairment.

Despite the availability today of half a dozen minivans that can be modified for easy access for all people, and the continuing development of a factory-built wheelchair accessible sedan that can carry four additional seated passengers, to be available for purchase next year, the mayor chooses to ignore those citizens most in need of disability-friendly taxi service.

Terence J. Moakley
Project Manager, Taxis for All-North America
United Spinal Association
Jackson Heights, Queens
May 23, 2007