The Ford CNG Transit Connect, NYC’s Next Taxi?

The yellow New York City cab is an iconic element in Manhattan’s streetscape. The taxi and limousine commission has put out a bid for a vehicle to replace the  last of the aging Crown Victorias. Ford is eager to retain the contract to supply vehicles to the commission. They just released  a taxi version of their Transit Connect powered by compressed natural gas at the Chicago Auto Show. The taxi concept uses a base Transit with an engine prep package that converts it to run on either compressed natural gas or propane fuels. Without the conversion kit, Ford says the Transit Connect would still be 30 percent more fuel efficient than some of the older current taxis.

The Taxi includes some benefits for passengers as well. There is increased legroom for passengers over the standard Transit Connect. Ford is also making available a version of their Work Solutions system which will high-speed internet. Whether this will be accessible to passengers remains to be seen. Ford says it is working with suppliers to offer rear-seat entertainment packages and card-swipe payment units. Most NYC cabs already have these so maybe Ford is looking at a next-generation system. One other benefit the Transit Connect offers is  a large, easy-access trunk.

The Transit Connect Taxi goes into production this year as a 2011 model. We expect to see a model on display this April at the New York Auto Show.

[via jalopnik]