Figure 1. Birsel + Seck's child carrier is designed to fold into the seat, so that if there is no child, adult passengers may use the entire seat. Both doors open with no pillar to obstruct access. Similarly, the floor is flat, which also allows for easier cleaning.

The problem of traffic congestion was addressed by many panelists: Suggestions included congestion-relief zones similar to those in central London, where drivers are charged a toll to enter during rush hours (residents, emergency vehicles, and taxis would be exempt); zero-tolerance for double-parking; allowing taxis to use bus-only lanes; a centrally-controlled cell-phone taxi-hail system or text-messaging drivers to increase efficiency of passenger pickups.

Ayse Birsel from design firm Birsel + Seck proposed to “honor the driver” with ergonometric steering wheels, breathable mesh suspension on the driving chair, and a personal space for the driver that might include storage and a mini-fridge. Her vehicle design separates the driver’s inviolable “personal space” from the passenger compartment with a curved partition (“more welcoming”), and features a . at floor and a more accessible opening for large persons, luggage, and handicapped passengers. Birsel advocates larger windows for better visibility, an integrated baby seat area, a credit card swiper, and a smiley-face system atop the taxi to signal availability.

Figure 2. Windows have been made quite large to provide greater visual access to the outside and to create an airier feel (and are) capable of displaying messages, such as "Welcome." ... The driver's info has been redesigned to be clearer and can recognize the driver's safety record if it is a good one; the goal is to create a feedback loop.

Antenna Design (an environmental design firm) presented a concept for the partition as a “passenger control panel” which was handsomely high-tech, with a power and internet hookup, light and temperature controls, real-time GPS and projected fare amount, and a credit card swipe. Antenna’s design concept of a light-up outside back panel signaling the disembarking of passengers was one of the most intelligent and practical suggestions of any panelist.

Energy and fuel efficiency was a major topic, with most designers recommending hybrid gas-electric vehicles. Since 90 percent of trips have one or two passengers and are of a short duration, with no highway mileage, a number of panelists recommended diverse vehicle types, with the majority of vehicles being two-passenger mini-cabs operating at 10–30 mph; larger vehicles would accommodate more passengers and those who are handicapped. Variations on this theme included methods of summoning the correct type of vehicle for a particular trip. (I could not help but be skeptical of efforts aimed at changing the way cabs are hailed—and fought over—on the streets of NYC. It’s a jungle out there. And not everyone has a cell phone.)

My favorite concept (and one that seems eminently feasible) for re-envisioning the taxi came from Pentagram’s Michael Bierut. Bring back the beloved Checker cab, only better! A sleek muscular profile, glass roof for better viewing of our vertical cityscape, easy-access sliding doors, a roomy interior with safer jump seats, hybrid technology, and of course, the iconic checkered pattern. Pentagram would brand the new Checker with all manner of merch, including a yearly compilation of music (“The 2005 World Music Collection”) recommended by the vastly multi-ethnic NYC taxi driver population.

The Parsons/Design Trust “taxi think tank” will continue its work, with exhibitions, publications, and discussions for the implementation of ideas. What does this mean for those of us who are frequent taxi passengers? Dare we envision a day when our rides will be roomy, clean, comfortable, and aesthetically delightful? Might New York City taxicabs be leaders in a world taxi evolution? We throw down the gauntlet to the Taxi and Limousine Commission, without whose support nothing can change. Let’s enrich the urban experience by turning good design intentions into reality!