The Ford Transit Connect is proud to have received the green light from the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, thus joining the 13,000-strong fleet of the taxis that people can take in the famous city, also known as the Big Apple. Less than a month ago, the California Air Resources Board approved the CNG version of the Ford minivan for use in the State of California. For decades, Ford has proved to be a great partner with the New York City taxi industry and this vehicle came as a commitment to the future of the taxi industry throughout the country. Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas stated that Ford had been synonymous with New York City taxis for decades and he was also glad that residents and tourists could enjoy their next-generation vehicle, adding that people loved its fuel efficiency and spaciousness after having Transit Connect taxis in service across the country.
Last December, the first Transit Connect Taxis were delivered to Boston and then selling more than 100 units to Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and St. Louis. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to an automatic transmission and delivering a 23 mpg fuel economy, which, according to Ford, represents 30 percent less than many of today's ordinary taxis, powers the standard Transit Connect, while Ford also provides engine conversions to LPG and CNG in order to ensure even lower consumption.
The president of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, Ron Sherman said in a press release that their 35 fleets were provided with the opportunity to transition from one purpose-built commercial taxicab, the Crown Victoria, to the Transit Connect as early as that fall.