New York City Clean Fuel Taxi Program
New York City has some of the highest levels of air pollution in the country. The dense population and tall buildings increase exposure to air pollution by delaying dispersal of ground level emissions. Vehicles are responsible for much of these emissions, with taxis contributing a significant share. New York City has approximately 12,000 taxis, many of which travel 100,000 miles per year or more, almost all within the city.
More than 300 New York City Medallion
cabs have already been converted to cleaner
compressed natural gas taxis like this one. |
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New York City has received a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to demonstrate the air quality benefits of the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) to power taxis in New York City. Natural gas use in taxis has the following benefits:
- New dedicated CNG vehicles have emissions lower than comparable gasoline vehicles.
- CNG vehicles do not release fuel to the atmosphere while being refueled.
- CNG vehicles have sealed fuel systems that do not allow fuel to escape when the ambient temperature changes.
- CNG vehicles do not release fuel due to fuel heating from vehicle operation.
The New York City Clean Fuel Taxi Program provides CMAQ funds toward the purchase of new natural gas taxi cabs or the conversion of gasoline cabs to natural gas. NYSERDA is managing this program in conjunction with the New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection. About 300 natural gas taxis have been operated by taxi drivers throughout the city as a result of this program. Contact NYSERDA at info@nyserda.org for names of participating dealerships. Natural gas is available at a growing network of fueling sites around the city.
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