CLEAN-FUELED CABS COMING SMOG AGENCY AIDS PURCHASE OF 300 TAXIS.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

In place of older, polluting models, 300 brand new, clean-fueled taxicabs will service regional airports starting early next year under a government-funded incentive program to reduce air pollution.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District announced this week it had approved $3 million in incentive funds for six area taxicab operators to buy compressed natural gas-powered Ford Crown Victoria sedans. The new taxis will operate in Los Angeles, Burbank, John Wayne, Ontario and Long Beach airports.

``Between aircraft, ground equipment and vehicles delivering passengers and freight, airports are one of our region's largest source of air pollution,'' said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the air quality district, in a statement.

Compared with existing gasoline-powered Crown Victorias, the new compressed natural gas models will reduce smog-forming emissions by 88 percent, according to the AQMD.

Under the AQMD's incentive program, the agency provides $9,543 toward the price of the vehicle, while operators contribute up to $10,000 per cab.

The incentive funding is expected to help the operators comply with a new AQMD rule taking effect Jan. 1, which requires taxicab operators to purchase clean-burning taxis when they replace older gasoline models or expand their fleet.

Scott Schaffer, who owns City Cab, which services the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Burbank and surrounding cities, said natural gas taxicabs have become popular with some of his customers.

Currently, City Cab already operates 50 alternative-fueled vehicles. It will receive $572,580 from the AQMD to purchase up to 60 new cabs.

``The drivers love it... The customers actually request it,'' he said, noting the new cars are much more comfortable and appeal to the environmental consciousness of some customers.

However, the drawback for taxicab operators is that there are not many gas stations that sell compressed natural gas.

``If you don't have compressed natural gas, the cab must be towed to the station. Compressed gas is not something you can carry in a can,'' said Vanik Zadurian, vice president of Bell Cab, which services San Bernardino and Riverside counties. His company will get $477,150 to buy up to 50 new cabs.

When natural gas vehicles have problems, Zadurian said it's also difficult to find dealerships who can fix them.

Schaffer added that despite the subsidy, the natural gas cabs cost him more in the end, noting he can get a used police car at $7,000 and refurbish it into a cab.

The other four taxicab operators funded by the incentive program are: Administrative Services Long Beach Co-op; Beverly Hills Cab; Cabco Yellow, Inc.; and Yellow Cab.