Small Nudge, Big Benefits: Arlington's Hybrid Taxis

As I was walking out of the East Falls Church Metro station in Arlington tonight, I noticed three of the four cabs at the taxi stand were hybrids.

If you just moved to Arlington, you might not think that was a big deal. But just three years ago, there were literally zero hybrid cabs in Arlington. Couldn't get one if you tried.

Then the Arlington County Board approved a small fleet of EnviroCab hybrid taxis. Arlington residents liked being able to cut the carbon pollution of their cab ride for the same price, while drivers liked cutting their fuel costs by nearly half.

Today, it's hard to find a taxi stand in Arlington without a hybrid waiting. And hybrids are clearly a marketing tool -- Red Top & Yellow Top hybrids have HYBRID TAXI written in huge letters on every side to make sure you don't pass them by for an EnviroCab.

Amazing that such a relatively small nudge (85 cabs in a fleet of over 700) delivered such huge benefits -- more profits for drivers, more satisfied customers, cleaner air & reduced oil use. After all, we're always hearing from conservatives that the free market is perfect & that if there was any demand for something, the invisible hand would deliver it. Have the demands of the market completely flipped in just three years? In this case, the market was failing to meet demand until it got a nudge from regulation.

Reality doesn't always fit with purist free market theory. The market is run by people, who may be resistant to change.

Look at Virginia's smoking ban in bars & restaurants. In the "free market" world, a lot of people were unhappy & forced to accept the unwanted cost of dirty air. The smoking ban took years to pass over opposition from business & free market conservatives who screamed nanny state & predicted economic ruin. Then it took effect & you never heard another word about it -- a lot more people are happier & healthier at an extremely low (if any) cost.

So when conservatives say we shouldn't provide nudges on things ranging from clean energy, efficient technologies because if they were worth doing the free market would already be doing them ... I have to wonder if their purist theory is supported by reality. And that's before you consider that new environmental regulations almost always cost less than predicted.

What's Your Favorite Arlington Green Business?

Just a quick heads up that the Arlington's Best Business Awards -- a.k.a. the ABBIES -- are taking nominations from the public. The categories include one for Arlington's Best Green Business.

Who will be the nominee from The Green Miles? This year, seems like an easy choice -- enviroCAB. But I'd certainly love to hear about a business that's even greener!

What do you think? Make your case for Arlington's best green business in the comments.

EnviroCAB: Jarringly Pleasant

On my recent trip to Austin for Netroots Nation, I called an enviroCAB for my ride to the airport. Since I don't take cabs very often, this was my first chance to use enviroCAB.

So how was it? In a word, spooky. In a made-up word, spookygreen.

It was completely silent. No engine roar as the hybrid car glided on battery power through the back streets of Ballston. The driver was courteous, well-dressed, and didn't talk on his cell phone or blare the radio. The cab even still had that new-car smell.

Compared to the terrifying experience of riding in a loud smelly cab as it careens through the streets of DC ... no, wait. There's no comparison. EnviroCABbing was a completely different experience than traditional cabbing.

If you don't have it in your cell already, add their number now: (703) 920-3333.

How Are Rising Gas Prices Impacting EnviroCAB?

With gas now averaging $4.07 nationally, I thought I'd check in with enviroCAB. Are their drivers glad they made the switch to hybrids when they did? Here's what an enviroCAB rep wrote back:

I think the rising cost of gas is just showing everyone that going green does not have to be a financial impairment. A few weeks ago I was talking with a driver of a traditional taxi, he said that he spends about $65 a day on gasoline. Even with the $1 fuel surcharge he was still struggling to make money. Meanwhile, our drivers are typically spending $35 dollars a day to drive the same amount of miles.

I would say that typically our drivers are the happiest around. They are helping to build this business from the ground up. When they see that we are taking on more and more corporate accounts, and they have the same customers calling everyday because they refuse to ride in anything but an enviroCAB, its must give them a great sense of ownership and accomplishment.

Have you added enviroCAB to your cell phone contacts yet? If not, do it right now so you have it whenever you need a cab. The number is (703) 920-3333.

Morning Exercise for Arlingtonians

The Green Miles came to the embarrassing realization the other day that he'd forgotten to enter enviroCAB in his cell for easy reference. So he has a morning exercise for you.

What's that now? Don't think this is actually exercise? Well, if Nintendo can call this exercise, anything's fair game.

1. Get out your cell phone.
2. Create a new contact called "enviroCAB."
3. Enter this number: (703) 920-3333.

See, I bet you burned, like, 5 calories. And had fun at the same time! Maybe now you're ready to lose 2,000 pounds in one day.

EnviroCAB Photo Contest: We Have a Winner!

Didn't take long to get a winner in The Green Miles' enviroCAB Photo Contest. From Steve over at CommuterPageBlog:

Here's my photo of the EnviroCab waiting at the taxi stand at East Falls Church:


Today I caught one at the Ballston Metro. Look on the CommuterPage blog for a posting about it in the next couple of days.

Steve wins a "Dominion: Global Warming Starts Here" bumper sticker. Congratulations!

If you want to call an enviroCAB, call 703-920-3333. To learn more about enviroCAB, you can check out their formal launch event on Monday:

enviroCAB, Nation’s First ‘Green’ Taxi Fleet, To Launch Service in Greater Washington, D.C. Area on Monday, February 11

Inspired by Arlington County’s Fresh AIRE Initiative, enviroCAB Offers Environmentally-Friendly Taxi Service That ‘Cleans The Air For the Same Fare’

WHO: enviroCAB founders, Hans Hess and Cord Thomas
Arlington County leaders, staff and citizens

WHAT: enviroCAB (www.envirotaxicab.com), the nation’s first all-hybrid taxicab fleet is kicking off its operations in the greater Washington, DC. The fleet of hybrid Toyota Priuses, Camrys, Highlanders and Ford Escapes guarantees passengers environmentally-friendly taxicab service at no additional cost (standard taxicab fares apply).

WHEN: Monday, February 11, 2008, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA

WHY: enviroCAB is the first carbon-negative taxicab company in the world. Inspired by Arlington County’s Fresh AIRE initiative, enviroCAB is:

· the first taxicab company within the Washington, D.C., region to put a fleet on the roads comprised entirely of fuel-efficient, low-emission hybrid vehicles.

· the first taxicab company in the U.S. to completely offset its own emissions by purchasing “clean-source” offset credits.

· the world’s first carbon-negative taxicab service through additionally offsetting the emissions of 100 of the 655 non-hybrid taxis operating in Arlington,VA.

I can't make the event because I have to, like, go to work. Stupid career, always taking time away from my blog! If you go, email me and let me know how it went.

Have You Seen This Cab?

I heard the first enviroCABs have started hitting the streets of Arlington. Has anyone seen one yet?

The first person to email me a picture of an enviroCAB in action wins a "Dominion: Global Warming Starts Here" bumper sticker.

Arlington County Board Green-Lights EnviroCAB

Great news in this morning's Washington Post:

The Arlington County Board this week authorized a new taxi company to operate with an all-hybrid fleet of 50 vehicles and gave rival companies permission to add 35 hybrids. Hybrid cars are fuel-efficient and produce low carbon emissions, a byproduct blamed for such environmental problems as global warming.

After a lengthy public hearing, the board approved the application of EnviroCAB, a new company, to operate the all-hybrid fleet of 50 Toyota Prius and Ford Escape cabs. It also accepted the county manager's proposal to allow existing taxi companies to add 35 hybrids. [...] The hybrids will charge the same as standard vehicles.

Board member Chris Zimmerman (D) said residents will be able to choose whether they want to ride in a standard taxi or a hybrid. "The burden of proof needs to fall in favor of choice," he said.

EnviroCAB's 50-vehicle fleet will be owned by drivers; the company will provide dispatch service. Red Top Cab will add 20 hybrid taxis, Crown Cab 10 and Yellow Cab five.

The 85 hybrid taxis and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle operated by Friendly Cab will join 666 cabs now authorized in Arlington.

Please thank the board for allowing hybrid cabs to come to Arlington! As soon as enviroCAB gets up and running, I'll be sure to pass along their phone number.

Reminder: Tell the County Board to Support enviroCAB!

Tuesday night the Arlington County Board will take up the issue of new cab licenses, including enviroCAB's application to start a fleet made up entirely of hybrid taxis. Existing cab companies are expected to vigorously oppose enviroCAB, while Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment will speak in support of hybrid cabs.

This is your last chance to tell board members you want to see as many hybrid cabs as possible on the streets of Arlington! Email board members here. You can read much more about enviroCAB and see a sample letter to the board in The Green Miles archives.

As Board Sets Hearing Date, EnviroCAB Gets Big Boost

Wow. A proposal to bring hybrid taxis to Arlington is getting a huge boost from a key Arlington County official:

County Manager Ron Carlee has recommended that nearly 60 percent of new taxi operating certificates be awarded to a start-up cab company, a significantly higher percentage than was recommended by the county government's transportation commission.

Carlee's recommendation came in a report to the County Board, which on Sept. 8 is slated to consider issuing new operating certificates for taxicabs. Currently, about 650 taxis are permitted to operate in Arlington.

Carlee recommended Envirocab be given 50 of a total 86 new operating certificates, or 58 percent of the total.

The firm, which currently does not operate in any other local jurisdictions, had asked for 100 certificates; the transportation commission recommended that they receive 35.

I hope the County Board follows Carlee's lead, although as I've written before, I've been underwhelmed by some public statements so far.

Another plug for strong action comes in a letter to the editor in this week's Sun Gazette. Key factoid:

As many people may not be aware, Arlington's permitted taxis emit about 50 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the air each year, significantly contributing to the poor air quality in our county.

So how can you support hybrid cabs? The best thing you can do is speak at the County Board hearing on September 8 at 8:30am. You can't sign up in advance, so you'll have to get there early to fill out a public comment slip, which will get you two minutes to address board members. The full procedures are listed here.

If you're like The Green Miles and you can't make the hearing, you can also email County Board members. Here's the email I just sent, feel free to lift some of the language for your own email:

If Arlington County hopes to cut its carbon emissions 80% by 2050, the amount scientists say is needed to curb the worst impacts of global warming, we must tackle the two biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions -- energy and transportation. While the Fresh AIRE program is boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, we must do whatever we can to promote fuel efficient vehicles.

On September 8th, the County Board has a rare opportunity to cut emissions and improve our air quality by approving as many hybrid taxis as possible. While enviroCAB has taken the lead on requesting hybrid taxi permits, the company is less important than the fuel efficiency. A typical cab vehicle like the Ford Crown Victoria gets just 14 miles per gallon, while a Ford Escape taxi gets 36 miles per gallon.

Long term, I hope the County Board follows New York City's lead and sets a goal of converting its entire taxi fleet to hybrids. While hybrid vehicles are initially more expensive, New York City officials say the increase in fuel efficiency could save taxi operators more than $10,000 per year. Why can't Arlington do the same?

Every email helps! Send yours to now to countyboard@arlingtonva.us.

Arlington Hybrid Taxi Proposal Moves Forward, Will County Board Support It?

Excellent news from the Washington Post (via What's Up Arlington's News You Care About):

The streets of Arlington County could get a little greener if a new taxi company offering fuel-efficient, low-emission hybrid cabs wins approval to operate in the county.

The Arlington Transportation Commission gave its approval to enviroCAB last week at the panel's annual taxi meeting and recommended that the company be allowed to operate 35 cabs in the county.

The company must now seek approval from the County Board, which could have a public hearing on the proposal as soon as September.

It's great to hear the Transportation Commission approved enviroCAB's request. Please email Richard Hartman, a transportation planner with the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services, to thank the commissioners for their decision.

However, this part of the article raised The People's Eyebrow:

County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson (D) said he supports the concept but said the board also wants to factor in the other cab companies when making its decision.

"I think there's a good possibility the board would approve it," Ferguson said. "The only real concern is just fairness to the other cab companies. I think it's a good concept and something that I
hope will succeed."

Granted, this is only a snippet of what could've been a longer interview. And granted, I'm sure Paul is just trying to be pragmatic.

But ... this is our region's leading environmental elected official talking? All we get is tepid endorsement? Why isn't Ferguson saying, "We should not only approve this, but let the word go forth from this time and place that anyone else applying for a cab permit in Arlington better make it a hybrid (or pure electric) or you have no shot of getting approved"?

As you can probably tell, it tends to drive The Green Miles a little crazy that here in a county where the vast majority of voters are Democrats and so many citizens are ardent environmentalists, our elected officials are often so overly cautious on environmental issues.

Why wouldn't both Arlington County and the taxi drivers want all of their cabs to be hybrids? Isn't stop-and-go cab driving exactly the kind of driving that maximizes the efficiency of a hybrid's regenerative braking? Wouldn't drivers want to cut their fuel costs in half? Wouldn't the county want to slash emissions from cabs? Considering Arlington County taxi riders are paying more for cab rides to help cover fuel costs, I would hope County Board members would ask companies like Red Top Cab these very questions.

Please email the County Board right now to let them know every single new taxi in Arlington should be a hybrid!

Green Alert: Tell Arlington You Want More Hybrid Taxis

Tonight the Arlington County Transportation Commission will hold its annual taxi meeting. It holds special importance for Arlington's environment this year. According to the Examiner, a new company wants to bring dozens of hybrid cabs to Arlington:

Hans Hess, founder of the health-conscious Elevation Burger in Falls Church, is setting his sights on clean air. Hess is now the owner of Envirocab, which aims to be the world’s first carbon-negative taxicab fleet, operating in Arlington.

[...]

Envirocab is seeking approval from the county to operate a 100-cab fleet in Arlington, made up of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles.

[...]

Under law, Envirocab would be required to charge the same fees as other cabs in Arlington, Hess said. The cars used would cost more initially but would be cheaper to operate because of lower fuel costs, he said.

Envirocab’s fleet could potentially offset as much as 60 percent of the emissions produced by Arlington taxis, according to Hess. He said Arlington’s Fresh AIRE initiative, which works with county residents and businesses to cut emissions, inspired him.

The article doesn't explain how the company would be carbon negative, and I think the reporter uses the word "offset" when she means "reduce" in the last paragraph.

The Sun Gazette recently reported Arlington's main taxi company, Red Top Cab, plans to introduce hybrids ... but only five of them in a fleet of 300:

“The urban setting in Arlington is an ideal environment for hybrid/electric taxicabs,” Red Top's Charlie King said in a statement. “The dense traffic conditions prevalent in Northern Virginia result
in vehicles idling for extended periods of time. This is where the hybrid shines.”

King said that Ford Escapes currently are employed as taxis in New York, San Francisco and Chicago, and average 36 mpg in city driving conditions. In comparison, the Ford Crown Victoria - the mainstay of most taxi fleets - averages 16 or 17 mpg in city driving.

Email Richard Hartman right now! He's a Transportation Planner with the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services and the best person to send your comments for the Transportation Commission. Let the county know you want to see Arlington add as many hybrids as possible! If Red Top won't take the lead, then the Commission should support the addition of Envirocab.