A newly proposed pilot program would let airport-based cab drivers trade in their older cars for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
County Supervisor Greg Cox and the County's Air Pollution Control District are proposing a pilot program to help get cabs that pollute more off the road and replace them with fuel-efficient upgrade.
Cox plans to propose the trade-in grant program to the Board of Supervisors on January 28. He is also a Airport Authority board member.
The proposal will also enable taxicab owners with permits to operate at the airport to upgrade their older vehicles to a hybrid, CNG or alternative fuel taxi. After purchasing these vehicles, owners would receive a $3,500 to $4,000 rebate in addition to paying a reduced airport fee for converting to the alternative fuel vehicle.
Today, more than 350 taxis operate from the airport. If the proposed program is successful, it could be expanded throughout the region.
