In Sunday’s Automobiles section, John Schwartz writes about his time behind the wheel of the Ford Transit Connect, one of three boxy high-top vans competing to become New York’s next official taxi. A decision is expected from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission within a month.
Mr. Schwartz, operating without a medallion, offered free rides in exchange for honest, back-seat appraisals of the car:
My first passengers were a mother and her adult daughter who were finishing up a lunchtime round of shopping in Times Square and accepted a ride to the Upper East Side. The two women, Priscilla Hasty and Kendra Sykes, pronounced themselves impressed. Ms. Hasty, who has had a hip replaced, said she was pleasantly surprised that the door sill was low enough that she didn’t have to strain to climb in.
“This is easier to step into” than other taxi vans, she said. Her daughter added, “I love the high ceiling.”
As we rolled up Third Avenue, Ms. Hasty praised the “really smooth ride” of the Transit Connect, though she added, “Maybe we didn’t hit any potholes.”
Can the Transit Connect pick up where the Ford Crown Victoria, the gas-guzzling workhorse of the city taxi fleet, left off? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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