Las Vegas' Largest Taxi Company Relies on Propane to Keep Up with the City of Lights

A Star is Born

LP Gas Magazine, Questex Media Group

Las Vegas. Gambling. Shows. Dining. Shopping. Golf. Nightlife. Business conferences. It's a lot to keep up with, and despite everything being in relatively close proximity, taxicabs are desperately needed to transport millions of visitors from Point A to Point B. 

Because of this, the city is teeming with cabs, and all that traffic contributes to poor air quality, as carbon monoxide mixes with dust and pollen from the desert that surrounds Vegas' metropolitan areas. In fact, vehicle exhaust accounts for 85 percent of carbon monoxide air pollution in Clark County, according to the Department of Air Quality Management.

To help combat that, Yellow-Checker-Star Transportation runs their entire fleet of cabs on propane, something they've been doing since 1981.

"We're in the business of bringing people to their destinations, but we're also in the business of helping to improve the air quality, which in turn enhances the overall living conditions in Southern Nevada," says Jack Owens, general manager of Yellow-Checker-Star.

Owens has been with Yellow-Checker-Star for more than 24 years and has played an integral part in its development as the largest cab service in Southern Nevada. He started his career there as a consultant, moving on to become the controller and director of operations before being promoted to his current position. He was instrumental in the conversion to propane as well.

As a member of the board of directors for the Las Vegas Regional Clean Cities Coalition, Owens leads educational and outreach programs promoting clean air practices and policies.

Yellow-Checker-Star is comprised of three separate cab companies with longstanding histories in Nevada. Yellow Cab acquired Checker in 1984 and then acquired Star in 1986. The three companies still operate separately under the umbrella name of Yellow-Checker-Star.