The taxi industry is uneasy being green.
Mayor Bloomberg has mandated that all yellow taxis be hybrids within the next few years, but some in the industry vow to fight to retain the gas-guzzling Ford Crown Victoria a little longer.
The city has so accelerated this industry-shaking transition that opponents contend the safety and comfort of passengers are being sacrificed.
There are more than 600 hybrids on the road, but industry insiders say the current crop is not up to the grueling task of being a taxi.
“I believe in green, but let’s be reasonable,” said Vincent Sapone, of the League of Mutual Taxi Owners.
“A cab is not a toy – these vehicles are too small and will never last.”
Next week, the Taxi and Limousine Commission will hold a public hearing on new mileage requirements, and opponents of the plan are vowing a fight.