Carbon-free Taxi Service Begins Operation in DC

by from WUSA News

They’re easy to spot with their bright green and white decals.enviroCAB is the first carbon-negative taxicab service and it’s here in the Washington area.

CEO Hans Hess launched enviroCAB in Arlington just a few weeks ago.

As for the fare, there’s no extra charge to go green.

"Clean air for the same fare is what we like to say," says Hess.

Hess says the company also buys renewable credits in wind energy to off-set all of the fleet’s emissions.

"...And we buy more than needed," he adds, "so we’re actually carbon negative."

The concept is spinning heads. Resident Danny Selnick sure took notice. "I was looking for a taxi. I need one right now and this is a great idea!" he said.

It’s the first time many people have taken a ride in one of these energy efficient alternatives.

Hop in Jimmy’s Toyota Prius and he’ll rattle off the advantages.

"Since it’s a hybrid, it’s very quiet," he says.

"It also gets about 40 miles to the gallon."

EnviroCAB plans to have 50 hybrids on Arlington streets by the end of April, including the Toyota Camry, the Ford Focus and a hybrid SUV.

"That’s terrific!" says Selnick.

These hybrid cabbies say Selnick’s reaction is typical. Jimmy says people are fascinated and often skip the next taxi in line and jump down to the hybrid. It’s a move that taxi drivers consider an insult.

"The owners of the other cab companies don’t care for us," Hess admits.

Jimmy says he’s gotten a few dirty looks from the competition, but now the competition is starting to put hybrids on the street themselves.

Competition is fierce, say cabbies.

Just a few weeks into it’s new business and enviroCAB already has competition!

More choices, a smaller carbon footprint and with today’s gas prices, some folks says this new ride is easier than taking their own car.

"I just filled up my mini-van yesterday," says Selnick shaking his head, "...$53 dollars!"

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