(September 7, 2011) NEW YORK — The first Ford Transit Connect Taxis in New York City are now in service and soon will be joined by hundreds more as orders and interest soar for the versatile vehicle.

The initial Transit Connect Taxis are part of the first order for the vehicle in New York City following the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission’s approval of it for use in the Big Apple.

The new units feature the iconic “NYC Taxi” painted in black on the two front doors.

More than 400 Transit Connect Taxis are destined for New York City. Total orders for Transit Connect Taxis across the United States are approaching 1,000 in its first year on the market. The new taxi market in the U.S. averages about 6,000 units. 

“Taxi operators are realizing the Transit Connect Taxi is a great vehicle and there’s a good reason — they helped us develop it,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Trucks. “During product development, we visited cities across the U.S. speaking with taxi owners, operators, drivers and city officials on the key product attributes they wanted in a taxi.”

“I drove it personally and found it to be a lot more comfortable than any other taxi I’ve ever driven,” said Chris Harisopoulos, general manager, McGuinness Management. “The roominess is another great thing about this vehicle, both for passengers and drivers, along with its overall durability. It’s just a great taxi.”

Cities where taxicab company operators have ordered Transit Connect Taxis in addition to New York include Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Tampa, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Hartford, Conn., and West Haven, Conn.

In addition to being approved for use by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, Transit Connect Taxi has been approved by governing agencies in Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston — cities that require taxis to meet certain requirements.

The vehicle also has been approved for use at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and at San Francisco International Airport by the SFO Airport Commission.