Weprin Calls for TLC to Consider Using Electric Cars

Councilman Mark Weprin has introduced a bill that would allow the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission to approve electric vehicles for use as long as they meet safety criteria.

Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, and Councilman James Vacca, D-Bronx, said they are pushing the legislation to encourage the TLC to use electric cars, which have zero emissions.

"Increasing the use of electric vehicles will reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment and make New York a more sustainable city for future generations," Weprin said.

Under the bill, the TLC would be able to approve the cars for medallion taxicabs as long as they met relevant safety criteria. The commission currently approves certain hybrid vehicles.

"A dense city like New York is the perfect market for electric vehicles," Vacca said. "Although electric vehicles represent only a tiny portion of car users, the growth potential is enormous and the city should be looking at any viable way to encourage electric vehicles use."

Patch wants to know. Do you agree with the councilmen that the city should consider using more electric cars for medallion taxicabs? Post your comment in the section below.