The city of Seattle wants to add more than 330 taxis to the city's streets and also wants to see taxicabs get 30 miles per gallon or better.

According to the city's finance and budget committee, there are currently 667 taxi licenses in the city and that number could rise to 1,000 if proposed legislation is approved. A public hearing on the proposed changes for taxicabs will be held June 5 at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. in downtown Seattle.

"It is necessary to increase the authorized maximum number to 1,000 licenses to meet current and future demand for efficient and economical taxicab service," according to proposed city legislation.

The city wants more fuel-efficient taxis on the streets of Seattle, with new rules requiring cabs that get at least 30 miles per gallon. The new legislation would also raise the fees that taxi operators pay the city.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/06/02/daily8.html