Why Are Some NYC Taxis Green? A Tale of Two Cities (Or Five Boroughs, Rather)
So, you’ve seen them. Those elusive, emerald-hued taxis that seem to exist in a parallel universe to their iconic yellow counterparts. You might be wondering, "Why the green, man? Did they run out of yellow paint?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of NYC taxi colors.
The Yellow Cab: The OG of NYC Streets
Let's start with the classic. The yellow cab. It's a symbol of New York City, right up there with pizza and attitude. But why yellow? Well, it's a practical choice. Yellow is highly visible, especially at night, which is crucial when you're trying to hail a cab in the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, it's a color that pops, making it easy to spot in traffic.
Enter the Green Cab: The Outsider
Now, let's talk about the green cab. These guys are newer to the scene, and they're definitely shaking things up. The green cab, officially known as a Boro Taxi, was introduced in 2013 to address a transportation gap in the outer boroughs. You see, yellow cabs have a bit of an exclusivity complex. They prefer to hang out in Manhattan, and they're not too keen on venturing into the outer boroughs. This left residents of places like Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx feeling a bit green with envy (pun intended).
So, the city decided to create a new taxi service that would cater to these underserved areas. And what better way to differentiate them from the yellow cabs than by painting them green? It's like the city said, "Hey yellow cabs, you want to be snobby? Fine, we'll create our own taxi service and paint them a color you hate."
Green with Envy? Not Quite
But don't get the wrong idea. The green cabs aren't just about revenge. They serve an important purpose. They provide reliable transportation options for people who live and work in areas that were previously underserved. And let's face it, a green cab cruising down a Brooklyn street has a certain charm.
So, next time you're in New York and you see a green cab, give it a wave. It's a symbol of progress, equality, and the city's commitment to providing transportation for all. And if you're lucky enough to get a ride in one, enjoy the view. You might just discover a new side of the city.
How to... Green Cab Edition
How to hail a green cab: Unlike yellow cabs, you can hail a green cab in most parts of the city, except for a designated zone in Manhattan. Just stick your arm out and hope for the best!How to tell the difference between a yellow and green cab: It's pretty simple: one is yellow, the other is green.How to get to the outer boroughs: While you can use a green cab, there are also other options like subways, buses, and ride-sharing services.How to appreciate the diversity of NYC transportation: Embrace all forms of transportation, from the iconic yellow cab to the underdog green cab.How to support local businesses: Consider taking a green cab to explore the outer boroughs and support local businesses.