Since its U.S. debut in 2010, the Ford Transit Connect van has earned a plethora of awards and supporters. The latest major proponent for the Transit is the city of New York as they have approved it for taxi duty. Approval was provided by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), adding NYC to the list of major cities using Connects for fleet purposes.
“Approval from the TLC is significant because it allows Ford the opportunity to offer New York City taxi operators and the riding public a taxi that is comfortable, durable, provides excellent fuel efficiency and delivers it all in a much smaller footprint that helps with congestion,” said Kevin Koswick, director of Ford North American Fleet Operations.
The TLC sets forth specifications that must be met before any vehicle can be approved for taxi duty. Those specifications are very specific as every taxi in New York City is regulated and licensed by the TLC. The tight wheelbase of the Transit gives it a tidy 39 foot turning radius while the 2.0 liter four cylinder will achieve an average of 23 mpg. That is an estimated 30 percent improvement over the older, traditional taxis. Ford will be offering engine options that will allow for compressed natural gas or propane conversions.
