Chicago's First Hybrid Taxi Debut

A spanking new maroon Ford Escape Hybrid will make environmental history when it is formally unveiled as Chicago's first fleet based taxi at an outdoor birthday celebration, Thursday, June 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the Chicago Carriage Cab barn, 2617 South Wabash (enter into parking lot on 26th street). Cab driver Cheikh "Bamba" Dione, 49, the lucky cabbie chosen to drive the hybrid, is expected to save some $6,000 a year on fuel costs.

The unveiling ceremony highlights Chicago Carriage Cab's 4th anniversary celebration attended by CCC CEO Simon Garber, Ford representatives, local dignitaries and officials, and CCC cab drivers. Chicago Carriage Cab/Royal 3CCC is the city's largest taxi operator with a fleet of 840 taxis.

   Photo opportunities:
   --  The official unveiling by dignitaries and cab driver Cheikh "Bamba"
       Dione
   --  Honoring David Hudson, 52, as Cab Driver of the Year. His handprint
       and signature will be put in wet cement as they are added to CCC's
       "Walk of Fame"
   --  Classic Chicago blues will be performed by Piano C Red's Flat Foot
       Boogie Band. Red, a former CCC driver paralyzed by a robber's bullet,
       is still hospitalized and unable to attend.