San Diego County will launch a program Friday designed to give owners of older taxi cabs serving the airport incentives to switch from gasoline engines to hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles.
The program was approved unanimously last month by the county Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Greg Cox said most, but not all, of the approximately 350 taxis permitted to serve Lindbergh Field have already converted to alternative fuels under the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s incentive program. The county program is designed to change the rest of the vehicles.
An entire fleet of fuel-efficient airport cabs would not only improve air quality but also serve as a visible example of the region’s commitment to sustainable practices, Cox said. Reductions in vehicle emissions would also help the region meet federal and state air pollution goals.
Nick Cormier of the county’s Air Pollution Control District said the remaining taxis that transport airport passengers — 83 Ford Crown Victorias and passenger vans, which only get about 13 miles per gallon — were becoming less fuel efficient and polluting more. He said the county should encourage operators to scrap their older cars by offering an after-purchase rebate for a new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle.
A “newer, cleaner model” that averages around 40-44 miles per gallon could potentially double or even triple their current fuel economy, which ultimately will mean less emissions for San Diego County and cleaner air, he said.
Under the plan, taxi owners can receive between $3,500 and $4,000 from the county after purchasing a hybrid, plug-in or alternative fuel vehicle. The owners would also pay reduced airport fees.
The incentive money, which will total $360,000, is to come from a $4 per registered vehicle charge. The county’s air pollution control officer will report back to the supervisors on the program’s results in about four months.
— City News Service
