They’re still yellow on the outside, but cabs in New York are getting “green” makeovers. Although New Yorkers have been requesting hybrid taxis for years, progress was impeded in 2005 when the Taxi Commission balked at issuing medallions, citing “lack of legroom.” The bidder for such medallions sued and won. The City Council also helped speed things along by passing a law last year that essentially ordered the Commission to approve hybrid cars for use el pronto.

Right now, there are only 27 hybrid or alternative fuel cabs on the road. Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg, though, 254 of the 308 medallions issued this June will be destined for hybrid or natural gas vehicles; a definite step in the right direction. And, happily, medallion owners can save up to $5000 per car per year. Green cabbies save an average of $20 per shift on gas costs, cut global warming gas emissions by 40%, and help clean up NYC air, which currently falls below federal smog standards. In the congested stop-and-go traffic of the city, the hybrids will generally emit no exhaust when traveling below 25mph.

Passengers also happen to love to ride in the “clean” cabs; drivers report better tips and enthusiastic responses. According to cabbie Gennadiy Abramov, “The customers want all taxis to be hybrids.” Even the powers that be agree; City Councilman David Yassky says, “I’m determined that in five years, every cab on the streets of New York will be a hybrid.”

New Yorkers and Big Apple visitors: get ready to hail some green cabs this summer! So far, approved car manufacturers include Ford, Mercury, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus. Apparently, even New Yorkers can agree they want a greener Gotham.