CNGnow

This month, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection launched a pilot program that allows compress natural gas (CNG) taxicabs to move to the fast lane at the airports. The pilot is in coordination with the Green Taxi Program that helps the taxi industry purchase cost effective alternative fuel vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.
 
CNG Taxis may now use the fast lane at the airports, also referred to as the short trip lane, that is typically used for wheelchair accessible vehicles. The benefit to the taxi driver are reduced wait times of up to 2 hours to pick up fares, that will ultimately increase the number of trips made to and from the airports per day.
 
“This program encourages the use of alternative fuels, and specifically creates an incentive for CNG vehicles.  This type of alternative fuel has momentum in building infrastructure, such as local fueling stations,” said Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Rosemary Krimbel.
 
To be eligible, CNG vehicles must have an official Green Taxi Chicago CNG sticker affixed to the vehicle. The six-month pilot program will run from August 4th, 2011 to February 4th, 2012.
 
The Green Taxi Program is a $1 million dollar Clean Cities grant that is set to expire on December 31st, 2011.  Through the program, CNG or propane powered vehicles can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the implemental cost, which is between $9,000 and $14,000. Click here to find out more about the Green Taxi Program.
​