A judge ruled yesterday that the city overstepped its authority by requiring yellow cab operators to purchase a vehicle chosen in 2011's Taxi of Tomorrow competition. Justice Shlomo Hagler of State Supreme Court in Manhattan said the power to force medallion owners to use the vehicle isn't in the City Charter. He also said that this is the type of policy work the council should be performing, not the Taxi Commission. The cab, a $29,700 Nissan NV200, was criticized for being neither a hybrid nor wheelchair-accessible unless modified. De Blasio has opposed the taxi plan. Nissan is producing the taxis now, as the rule was to take effect within days. Their contract with the city permits them to recoup design and production costs - estimated at $50 million or higher.
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