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LESSONS FOR LIMOS: Alternative fuel vehicles are still over the horizon for most U.S. taxicab fleets, the TLPA reports.

ROCKVILLE, MD - The nation's largest and oldest association of for-hire vehicle fleet executives has released a new study that determines that the benefits of converting America's taxicab fleets to alternative fuel vehicles does not yet make widespread operational sense, but may in the near future.

The report, "Analysis of Alternative Fuels & Vehicles for Taxicab Fleets," prepared by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), concludes that the evolution of technology will make "widespread use of alternative fuels no longer the dream of the future but a reality that already works for some today and that may soon be ready to work for all in the taxicab industry." The report is AVAILABLE HERE.

"These vehicles are coming, and when they do, they will help transform our industry. But this report clearly shows that the taxicab industry has to strike a balance among what the market offers today in terms of vehicles; what the customer expects in terms of comfort, safety and price; and what's environmentally sustainable," said Alfred LaGasse, TLPA's Chief Executive Officer.

The TLPA created a "Vehicle Task Force" comprised of 15 industry leaders who tackled the question of whether taxicab fleets should convert to alternative fuels. The group interviewed fleet operators, reviewed media reports, and examined promotional materials from alternative fuel advocates.