San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has reported that the city's Taxi Fleet is currently comprised of 57% alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles. The city of San Francisco is dedicated to creating one of the most environmentally friendly regions in the nation and the conversion of more than half the city taxi fleet to alternative fuel vehicles is a giant leap in that direction. This progression was led by city businesses, such as Extranomical Adventures carbon neutral tour program, and will hopefully be followed by more positive environmental change in the future.
The alternative fuel cabs have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered city gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. These figures are the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off city streets. The city has offered a $2,000.00 grant per vehicle on a first come, first serve basis to cab companies interested in converting to alternative fuel vehicles. The stipend is one of the major reasons many companies are able to afford the higher priced vehicles and proves the city's devotion to the local environment.
City cab companies appreciated the new fuel efficient vehicles which cost less to drive than the gas-powered cabs driven in the past. The new vehicles gas mileage saves an average of $15.00 at the pump and is also less expensive to maintain. Brakes on the new vehicles last longer than the gas-powered cabs, which is very appreciated considering the many hills in San Francisco. On average brakes in a gas powered vehicle driven 135 miles a day up and down San Francisco's hills last 30 days, while alternative fuel vehicle brakes last from 6 to 8 months. These efficient vehicles are a great environmentally friendly solution for San Francisco and a great money saving solution for the city's Taxi Fleet.
