The Rotterdam Taxi Centre (RTC) announced today that it has concluded an agreement with the Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI) to replace part of its fleet with taxis that run on biofuel.

Over the next 3 to 4 years, the RTC will replace 390 vehicles from its 700-strong fleet with taxis that are more environmentally friendly. Minister Cramer was pleased to hear the news, and praised the taxi company's initiative. According to the Minister, this decision by the RTC fits in perfectly with the climate policy formulated by the government.

The Municipality of Rotterdam is committed to replacing its vehicles over the coming years with cleaner ones. There are currently around 3000 bio-cars on the road in the Netherlands, and approximately a third of these vehicles are in the Rotterdam region. Vehicles that run on biogas or biopetrol emit less CO2.

Rotterdam has set itself the goal of reducing its CO2 emissions by half by 2025. The Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI), which was established a year ago, works to develop sustainability initiatives in all kinds of different areas.

The RCI emerged from the Clinton Climate Initiative. Last year, former president Bill Clinton called on 40 cities worldwide to invest in a cleaner environment. Rotterdam is not one of the 40 cities in question, but it is participating in the environmental programme.

Photo credit: Lewis Martin