Underestimating NYC TLC Driver Gas Costs & Coming Up With A "NYC TLC MPG"
Feedback from yesterday's article highlights an NYC TLC car's "true" MPG is likely MUCH LOWER than reported, due to idling time. We want to collect & share more data, while helping drivers pay for gas
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While we made it clear in our last article that we didn’t have the hard data on the amount NYC TLC drivers spend on gas AND that it would greatly vary based on the type of car (hybrid vs. SUV), work hours (full vs. part-time), location, etc., we got enough incomings that let us know our numbers seemed low to make us pause and think. Our figures were based on our experience as a fleet manager and illustrative math that assumed a conservative City MPG for a Camry and Suburban.
Upon reflection, we think our figures likely underappreciated a key variable in calculating the gas spend of a full-time NYC TLC driver.
Costs related to “IDLE TIME”, or how much gas is being burned (spent) while a driver is on break or is waiting for another call.
For example, on very cold or warm nights the heating / AC is going to burn a lot of fuel although the car may not be moving. This is also interesting because incorporating “idling time” into an gas expense analysis, will give NYC TLC drivers a better sense of their ‘True MPG’ vs. City/Highway MPG that car manufacturers publish. Based on some of the feedback we received, the implied “NYC TLC MPG”, if you’ll forgive the phrase, for some standard sedans (Camry) may be as low as 15 MPG for full-timers!
We Want To Collect The Data & Also Want To Help Drivers Pay For Gas
We are a curious and data-driven team at AutoMarketplace, so we think there is a WIN-WIN scenario we can create - both for our team and NYC TLC drivers who are facing increasing gas costs.
We are looking for 10 NYC TLC Drivers to share some basic info with us over the course of the next 60 days. At a high level the info includes.
Confirmation of full-time NYC for-hire transportation work
Pictures of gas receipts with cost summary, date and gas station
In return, after the 60 day study period, we will pay for one full tank of gas. After all, the study should give us a fairly good sense of how much that should cost!
If you’re interested in participating, please email us at info@automarketplace.com with your name, make & model of car and how many hours you typically work per week. If you’re chosen, we will call you to discuss more details and get working right away! After the 60 day study period is completed, we will give you a gas card that will cover the cost of a full tank of gas (at least 89 regular unleaded)!
Plenty telematics equipment is running in the industry , idling factor is accurately monitored and is a reliable source of data