[Quietcars] electric vehicles in N.Y.C.

[Ken Stewart]

"Posting: Where the Juice Is", an article in the Real Estate Section of the Sunday New York Times, reports that there are now more than fifty public charging stations in parking garages in Manhattan, and more are coming.  The battery of an electric or hybrid car can be charged at these plug-ins.  Several months ago at a public panel presentation, I heard a City official proudly report that the City now has more than four thousand electric and hybrid vehicles in its fleet and the number will only grow.  While we eagerly await a federal requirement for manufacturers to include an audible feature on all marketed hybrids and electric cars, can we advocate for local government actions?  ...and, for driver education?  Might Transportation Alternatives start a program similar to their effort to educate bicyclists to be considerate of pedestrians, the "Bike Polite" program.  It could be the "Kinder Reminder" program to remind the drivers of these quiet
 vehicles that their 
 cars cannot be heard by pedestrians when moving slowly.  What about asking the City Council for legislation requiring a terse sign to that effect at each of these charging stations?  ...and legislation requiring all municipally operated hybrids and electric to be retrofitted with an audible feature like the Parks Department has done for reverse gear on their fleet?  [The above cited N.Y. Times article can be heard on the phone via NFB NEWSLINE through Saturday]