CHICAGO, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GO Airport Express, a Chicago-based ground transportation provider, was one of 15 companies that received a "Green Fleet" designation by the Illinois EPA, in coordination with the Chicago Area Clean Cities coalition at a recognition luncheon held February 22.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120313/CG69774)
The company provides airport shuttles to and from O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airports, for more than one million passengers annually.
The Illinois Green Fleets program provides for "Green Environment, Green Energy, & Green Economics for a Green Illinois," through the use of clean alternate fuels, such as natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, propane and electricity in their fleet vehicles, as well as retrofitting existing diesel trucks with clean technology options to reduce diesel particulates.
GO Airport Express was acknowledged for its conversion of two of its vans to propane and two to natural gas-powered. Plans are in place to convert its entire fleet within the next three years.
"These are family-owned and larger businesses, as well as public bodies, that have seen the value in supporting clean air, energy independence, jobs and providing insurance against the concern about high prices for gasoline and diesel," said Interim Illinois EPA Director John Kim.
"We are honored to be recognized for our efforts in operating a green fleet through conversion to propane and natural gas, as well as our regular upgrades and maintenance that ensures our vehicles run at the utmost efficiency," says Rob Hann, vice president, sales and marketing, GO Airport Express. "By nature, shared rides are green rides. With six people on board, a van uses only 30 percent of the fuel that six cars would use and creates 54 percent fewer carbon emissions. We are committed to offering a safe, economical and green transportation option for residents and visitors."
According to Darwin Burkhart, program manager for the Illinois EPA and chairman of the Chicago Area Clean Cities, GO Airport Express joins an "an elite fraternity of over 100 designated fleets throughout the state. We see more and more family-owned small businesses that are taking the initiative to purchase and convert their vehicles and equipment to run on a clean American fuel."
GO Airport Express, one of the oldest companies in Chicago, traces its founding to 1853 and the Parmelee Transportation Company, which provided a carriage service between Chicago's railroad stations and the downtown hotels. The GO Group LLC, is the nation's largest airport transportation provider, serving some 60 airports in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe and transporting more than 13 million passengers per year.
SOURCE GO Airport Express
