Council’s public works committee has unanimously rejected a $100,000 microsimulation meant to explore the idea of permitting taxi and Handi-Transit vehicles in diamond lanes during rush hour.

The Wednesday vote followed public service arguments against the change, due to concerns the vehicles don’t qualify as mass transit and opening diamond lanes to them at all hours contradicts city master plans. The final decision means the lanes will continue to be reserved for buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles during peak hours, with other vehicles only permitted to use them to prepare to turn during those periods.

The taxi industry was pushing for the access as a way to speed up service to customers.