PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Parking Authority has approved a new taxi manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the U.S. but no word yet on when you will see one on Philly’s streets.

Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority Jim Ney describes the newly approved transit connect taxi that will be manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, “Even though they are actually shorter and have a smaller wheelbase, smaller footprint, they actually have more room inside for passenger comfort.”

The vehicle can also be converted to natural gas or liquefied propane gas making them environmentally friendly.

Everett Abitbol a partner in PHL Taxi is thrilled to have this option to consider for future fleet changes especially since the vehicle can also be fitted to be wheelchair accessible.

“When companies are wheelchair accessible and take into consideration people who have this requirement, it’s very exciting to me.”

Abitbol says he is looking forward to kicking the tires of these boxy-shaped vehicles.

Reported By Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio