NEW YORK (AP) -- A judge has ruled that the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has the authority to use taxicab lease rates to encourage the purchase of hybrid and clean diesel taxis.
State Court Justice Jane Solomon also ruled Friday that the TLC can set lease rates based on policy considerations.
A group of taxi fleet owners had challenged the new lease rules, saying it did not take into consideration taxi owner costs.
The new lease rates program, which is also the subject of pending federal court appeal, allows the owners of hybrid and clean diesel vehicles to charge taxi drivers three dollars more per shift.
Michael Woloz, a spokesman for Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, said they were disappointed in the judge's decision and were weighing all options, including appeal.
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