Judge issues injunction on hybrid-taxi requirement

By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff

Boston cab drivers and medallion owners contesting a rule requiring that they buy new hybrid cars by 2015 won a significant victory yesterday when a federal judge asked the city to stop enforcing the rule.

US District Judge William G. Young's injunction against the rule -- which began affecting older cabs last year -- is temporary, and a lawyer for more than 100 cab owners says he hopes to negotiate a settlement with the city before the judge makes up his mind on a permananet ruling.

“The cab drivers recognize that we have to do everything we can to protect the environment," said Paul Merry, who represents the taxi drivers and owners.

Cab drivers have pleaded for the right to buy used hybrid vehicles, which they say can save them money not only on the price of the vehicle but also the cost of insurance, which they say can run as high as $14,000 to $20,000 a year.

“At this time, we will respect the judge’s ruling on the matter,'' said Elaine Driscoll, spokeswoman for the Boston Police Department, which oversees taxi cab licensing. "Currently our attorneys are working closely with city attorneys to determine what the next steps will be.”