The new color of taxis is green

March 2, 10:09 PMDetroit Transportation ExaminerMatthew Evangelista

Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Detroit Transportation Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

 In a place nicknamed the Motor City, its a wonder there aren't more taxis driving around on our streets and highways every day. Especially since in the last few years there has been an marked increase in downtown hotels, casinos and stadiums, a huge new airport and the ever present suburban downtowns, malls and restaurants. Visitors to town might not want to rent a car, and residents on a night out simply might not want the hassle of driving home from bars late at night. One company that has stepped up to take a piece of this commuter market in a non-traditional way is Michigan Green Cabs www.migreencabs.com. Taking advantage of the new "green" business environment. Michigan Green Cabs operates an all hybrid cars in an attempt to save gas and air quality while getting people to where they need to go.

In business since May 2008, the company operates a fleet of new Toyota Priuses decked out in green and white checked livery. So far, they are the only hybrid-only taxi service in the Detroit Area, although competitor MetroCars has begun converting much of its fleet to propane and bio fuel. While not pure hybrid, MetroCars venture into alternative fuel transportation is definitely a sign that the taxi business is turning green.According to company president Jonathan Tobias, "We chose this model based on two factors only, the most fuel efficient and the most environmentally friendly vehicle available." There are plans to expand with some homegrown technology though. "As soon as the Ford Fusion Hybrid becomes available we do plan on getting some.[W]e do want to get some for diversity and to support our local economy." The Fusion is built in Flat Rock, Michigan and with fuel economy posted at 41mpg city and 36 highway, it will be the most fuel efficient mid-size sedan in America. Not bad for a taxi!

So what is the difference between a hybrid taxi and a regular cab? According to the company website, their fleet of 150 cars using hybrid technology saves 1,200,000 gallons of fuel annually and reduces pollution and greenhouse emissions by 70% over the old Crown Victorias. And the cost, while slightly more than a standard cab, is still competitive on price."We do take pride in being very competitively priced with the competition," says Tobias. "It never benefits any one to use or to be the "cheapest". Our vehicles are brand new, our drivers have the best driving records, we are good for the economy , great for the environment, and the cleanest transportation in town. In most cases we cost a little bit more than traditional cabs but much less than sedan providers."

So far local business have been receptive to the hybrid taxi concept, as well as Michigan Green Cabs' overall service. As for the future, says President Tobias, "Our ambitions are to serve this metro Detroit area better than anyone. Once this is accomplished we plan to start licensing owner-operators statewide in other major business hubs." With more and more hybrid cabs from Michigan Green Cabs and other local competitors soon to follow, cab riders really can breath a little easier.