The Design Trust began investigating how to improve this iconic New York City cab in 2005. Working in cooperation with Parsons The New School for Design, we invited the taxi industry, New York City's taxi regulators, and some of the nation's finest designers to begin rethinking the taxi system and the vehicle itself. The resulting outpouring of interest from all quarters – both private and public sectors – is a testament to the passion New Yorkers feel for the yellow cab.

In order to generate innovative – but feasible – ideas, the Designing the Taxi program took the form of two half-day events, a workshop and a presentation, where participants could share expertise and experience.

Participants included fleet owners, drivers, landscape architects, urban planners, vehicle and industrial designers, graphic artists, medallion holders, representatives of City agencies, including the Taxi and Limousine Commission, and others. In total, over 50 designers and taxi stakeholders took part in a spirited discussion of all things taxi (see list below).

Following the preliminary events, the Design Trust developed the findings into an illustrated publication. An exhibit was also held at Parsons from November 2005 through January 2006.

Moving forward, the Design Trust is using the program findings as the basis for Taxi 07, a program that celebrates the taxi’s 2007 centennial, fosters design innovation, and develops a taxi master plan.