A New York state appeals court has validated the New York City taxi commission's move to require drivers to purchase the Nissan NV200, reversing an earlier, lower-court ruling.

Justice David B. Saxe said the initial requirement was "consistent with the broad interests and perspectives" of the Taxi and Limousine Commission, reports the New York Times.

The so-called "Taxi of Tomorrow" plan had been a cornerstone of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg's transportation agenda until it was blocked in October by a Manhattan judge. The city's Mayor Bill de Blasio has been a longtime critic of the NV200 because it's not a hybrid or wheelchair-accessible from the factory.