Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Taxi and Limousine Chairman/Commissioner Matthew W. Daus today announced an increase in the number of Alternative Fuel Medallions for City taxicabs. The Medallion sale scheduled for next month will now include 254 alternative fuel and hybrid medallions, up from a previously scheduled 62. The Alternative Fuel Medallion may be applied to TLC-approved vehicles that use either compressed natural gas (CNG) or hybrid fuel technology. Vehicles using alternative fuel or hybrid technology consume less gasoline and have very low emissions. More than 3,000 of the City's light-duty vehicles are hybrids or use alternative fuel. The Mayor made the announcement at the New York League of Conservation Voters Spring Gala in Chelsea.

"Clean air and fuel efficient cabs are in the best interests of all New Yorkers," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "Alternative fuel and hybrids taxis are three times more fuel efficient than regular taxis and have close to zero emissions.  By encouraging alternative fuel and hybrid taxis, New Yorkers get cleaner air, drivers have lower fuel costs and we all become less reliant on foreign oil."

Currently, 10 car models using this technology have been approved for use as taxi cabs by the TLC including the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Saturn Vue Hybrid, Lexus RX400H and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

"Making 254 alternative fuel medallions available in the next and final auction is a bold and positive step that will reduce emissions while providing significant advances in fuel economy for drivers," said Commissioner Daus.  "We believe there will be tremendous interest in these medallions, and we are looking forward to the auction in June."

"The Mayor has taken a great step towards turning yellow cabs green," said Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters.