THE TAXI PROJECT: REALISTIC SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY

The Museum of Modern Art in New York, through its Department of Architecture and Design, sponsored the Taxi Project, a plan to engage the automobile industry in producing working prototypes of a vehicle which would more adequately serve the needs of the taxi industry and the urban public. UMTA made funds available through an open-bid competition, and two American companies, American Machine and Foundry, Inc., and Steam Power Systems, Inc. won contracts to create a low-pollution taxi. In addition, two European companies, Volvo and Volkswagen, also joined the competition. The vehicle had to be designed according to the specifications set out in the Design Specifications Manual. Those prototypes developed would consume less energy, reduce air pollution, limit traffic congestion, and provide better and safer accommodations for passengers and luggage. UMTA is also considering public transit possibilities offered by paratransit, and has implemented the Para Transit Vehicle Project toward achieving this end. Each prototype vehicle developed is described and illustrated, and the Design Specifications Manual is included. Historical and critical essays complete the report.

• Corporate Authors:

  New York Museum of Modern Art

  11 West 53 Street
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Ambasz, E
  • Georgano, G N
  • Richards, B
  • Wohl, M
• Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 160 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Design standards; Fuel consumption; Paratransit services; Prototypes; Taxicabs; Traffic congestion; Urban transportation; Vehicle design
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149805
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 11 1981 12:00AM