Compressed natural gas taxicabs may now use the fast lane at the airports, also referred to as the short trip lane, which 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. To be eligible, NGVs must have an official Green Taxi Chicago CNG sticker affixed to the vehicle.
“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.
The six-month pilot project, in coordination with the USD 1-million Green Taxi Program, will run from August 4th, 2011 to February 4th, 2012.
Source: City of Chicago