Clean Energy said that the new CNG stations will be located on TAS-controlled sites selected for their proximity to downtown Chicago’s business, hotel, shopping and financial districts. In addition to serving Yellow Cab taxis, the stations will be open 24/7 for public access.
James Harger, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Clean Energy, said: “We are delighted to initiate this fuel supply and operations relationship with Taxi Affiliation Services and Yellow Cab Chicago, clear leaders in promoting the use of natural gas fuel.
“We look forward to supporting their first 100 clean, green CNG-powered taxis, and to provide ongoing support as their fleet expands. These key stations begin a larger city network we intend to build.”
Clean Energy partnered with Yellow Cab Chicago to apply for and secure $1.5m in grant funding from the City of Chicago and the Department of Energy to help defer the costs of station construction and acquiring new CNG taxi vehicles.
Michael Levine, CEO of Taxi Affiliation Services, said: “Our company operates North America’s oldest and largest taxicab fleet. We operate approximately 3,000 cabs, including our Yellow, Checker, American United and Blue Diamond lines, making us the premier taxicab service in the City of Chicago.
“We utilize the latest available technology and the safest, most comfortable vehicles to provide passengers the highest quality of service. Our new, growing CNG taxi fleets will provide benefits not only to the drivers and passengers in the form of lower fuel costs and clean, green performance, but to the City of Chicago at large, as greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced.”
