Michelle Basch, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – A plan to bring dozens of electricity-only taxicabs to the region has hit a roadblock.
A new company called EV Taxicabs wanted to operate electric cabs equipped with WiFi hotspots and iPads in the back for passengers.
The company promised to put up charging stations around Arlington County to keep the cabs going.
It would have been the very first all-electric taxicab fleet in the U.S., but the Arlington County Board voted 3-2 against the plan.
County Manager Barbara Donnellan recommended the plan, but the transportation commission gave it a thumbs down.
The Arlington County Board was worried about things, such as how far the cabs could travel on a charge and the time it would take to recharge them.
The board will allow other county cab companies to add a total of 22 taxis to help meet a growing demand for them in Arlington County.
Friendly Cab has permission to add 12 taxicabs to its fleet, and Red Top and Blue Top can now add five wheelchair-accessible cabs each.
For more information about EV Taxicabs visit the website.
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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
