CNN Daily News 2009.1.2. (3/4)

CNN News (4:13-6:00)

you've got used to lower gas prices, but get ready we may see some of those savings slip away
now federal tax commission wants to pump up the national gas tax we pay.
the commission which oversees funding for transportation project is suggesting another dime of gallon for gas
and as much as fifteen cents for diesel.
the reason, Americans are driving less and buying less gasoline.
that's making it tougher to pay for road, bridge and mass transit projects.
they are as much a part of England's history as the royal family, but these days, black cabs are not being held like they used to be.
here now, CNN's Jim Bouldon.

This is Coventry England where the London taxi is built
and this is the man who was brought in to save the venerable black cab
car business has been difficult for the last twelve month
partly because the taxitrade is slightly down in a later market particularly in London.
but mainly because of confidence issue.
people postpone and purchase.
add to that, the latest model from London Taxi International or LTI had to be recalled because of engine fires.
who should compensate drivers for lost hours, is an on-going headache.

London taxis neither have to be black or this traditional shape.
and in fact, LTI now has competition in the form of the silver Mercedes taxi.

it drives like limousine, it feels like you are in a limousine
it's a bigger vehicle to work with in London, as you can appreciate.
Richard Belasco was the first London cabbie to get the modified Mercedes Vito when it was launched in June.
service in,, which is your main costs...
if you need to cut down on when you drive a taxi in London
is anything serviceable and that's where the cost is going to be cut.

venerable
Something that is venerable is impressive because it is old or important historically.
ex) May Day has become a venerable institution.

cabbie
A cabbie is a person who drives a taxi.

commission
A commission is a group of people who have been appointed to find out about something or to control something.
ex) The authorities have been asked to set up a commission to investigate the murders.