Cab company adds city’s first fleet-based hybrid taxi
Cheikh Dione will be enjoying the extra $6,000 in his pocket every year, after he hits the road as Chicago Carriage Cab Company’s first fleet-based hybrid driver. The cab company will unveil its first Ford Escape Hybrid on Thursday, making it the first gas-electric fleet vehicle in Chicago. According to the Ford Motor Co. Web site, the Escape Hybrid can save thousands of dollars in fuel costs annually, conserve gasoline and reduce smog-forming emissions.
The vehicle, which cost $26,000, is already in service as a taxicab in San Francisco and New York City.
“It’s an honor to be the first driver of that car,” said 49-year-old Dione, of southwest suburban Alsip.
Since drivers usually pay for the gas on their cabs, Dione said it felt great to be chosen to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. He plans to use the money he saves to buy a house.
The cab company’s purchase of the hybrid is based on a city rule effective July 1 requiring taxicab owners who have at least 50 taxicabs to license one hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle. According to Yellow Cab Chicago CEO Mike Levine, the company ordered a Ford Escape Hybrid on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a great idea and it’s great for the environment,” said Simon Garber, CEO of Chicago Carriage Cab Company.
Garber plans to carry more hybrids in the future.
This article originally appeared in Chicago Sun-Times.
