While we must certainly all concede that it's an improvement over the faded and inconsistent stencils, the new taxi logo by Smart Design doesn't quite deliver, says man-about-town Steven Heller:

The "T", which looks like a big black tack, blends together bulbous types in place of the familiar taxi fare sign (which, granted, is a bit more legible, but moved to the passenger door). Perhaps its better, but is it best?

Let's zoom in for a closer look:

Yikes! How many typefaces did they have to slaughter to make that thing? Sir, can you call me a T-Axi? Is it too late to start a Facebook petition?

More on your new yellow friends at Smart Design's site.