Images: The 21st-century taxicab

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  • about the project

    about the project

    Bye-bye, Crown Victoria. Hello...? That's the question posed by a project called "Designing the Taxi," which seeks a 21st-century overhaul of New York's taxicabs. The nonprofit group Design Trust for Public Space asked the taxi industry, taxi regulators and design shops to rethink the iconic vehicles from the passenger's perspective, and proposals have been on display at Parsons School of Design, in an exhibit that ends Sunday.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • indea for interior

    indea for interior

    In this design, a passenger in the backseat has more to look at than a copy of the cabbie's hackney license. Other ideas for the inside of the taxi include a built-in baby seat. New York taxis will celebrate their centennial in 2007.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • exterior lights

    exterior lights

    On the exterior, lights give a better indication of whether the cab is in service, and whether the passenger is stepping out into traffic. The Design Trust sees the taxicab not just as a vehicle, but as a public space.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • alternative to yellow

    alternative to yellow

    At least one designer thinks it's time to scrap the yellow paint.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • leg room

    leg room

    Leg room is key in this design, but this one might be a little too open for the cabbie's comfort.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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New York's taxis don't have to be retrofitted sedans from Detroit. They might even be designed for the passenger's benefit.

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about the project

Bye-bye, Crown Victoria. Hello...? That's the question posed by a project called "Designing the Taxi," which seeks a 21st-century overhaul of New York's taxicabs. The nonprofit group Design Trust for Public Space asked the taxi industry, taxi regulators and design shops to rethink the iconic vehicles from the passenger's perspective, and proposals have been on display at Parsons School of Design, in an exhibit that ends Sunday.

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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