More than a decade ago, NYC’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) removed the Ford Crown Victoria from its approved vehicle list, preventing new ones from getting taxi medallions. Since existing cabs have a regulatory shelf life of seven years, one would assume they would all be off the road by now – but an extension was given due to COVID.
Those extensions are now over, and the last two yellow Crown Vics – currently being operated by Ravinder Sharma and Haroon Abdullah – have officially overstayed their regulatory welcome. Continuing operation of the vehicles could result in a license suspension and a fine of $500.
Ford ceased production of the Crown Vic in 2011, at which point the TLC switched to the Nissan NV200, adding a range of models over the years to their approved vehicle list, including hybrids for greater fuel efficiency.
“I’m thinking if they allow me to drive, I drive,” Sharma, who turns 65 in early 2024, told the New York Times. “If they don’t, I take my Social Security and retire.”
Abdullah, who expressed the wish to replace his car with a new Sienna minivan, said finding the money for a downpayment has been a challenge. He says he’s struggling to earn a living and can’t afford a newer cab.
“I’m behind on my bills,” he exclaimed. “If they don’t allow me to drive this car, I won’t make the income I need to buy a new car.”
TLC spokesperson Jason Kersten said the Crown Victoria will be missed, but that it should be retired – like the Model T, Checker and Chevy Caprice before it.
