Transporting New York City to a Sustainable Future - Spring

Advisor: Lewis Gilbert

This report explores policy options for reducing air pollution from New York City’s taxi fleet by promoting the adoption of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Prepared for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the study examines how vehicle emissions contribute significantly to urban air pollution, including ozone and particulate matter that negatively affect public health. Although New York City already has relatively low vehicle ownership compared with other U.S. cities, its dense traffic still generates substantial emissions. The report highlights the potential of hybrid vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution, noting that hybrid taxicabs can achieve two to three times the fuel efficiency of conventional vehicles while generating long-term savings for drivers due to reduced fuel costs. The study analyzes the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning the city’s taxi fleet toward cleaner technologies.

To support this transition, the report proposes several policy mechanisms designed to accelerate the adoption of low-emission taxis. These include establishing a pilot program to test hybrid vehicles within the taxi fleet, implementing an emissions cap-and-trade system for taxi operators, and mandating a gradual increase in the percentage of alternative fuel vehicles within the fleet. The proposed policies aim to balance environmental objectives with economic considerations by providing incentives and flexible compliance mechanisms for taxi owners. By combining pilot testing, regulatory targets, and market-based instruments, the report outlines a pathway for reducing emissions from one of the city’s most visible transportation sectors. The recommendations are intended to position New York City as a leader in sustainable urban transportation while improving air quality and public health for its residents.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.