KEY WEST’S HOT-PINK TAXIS ARE GOING “GREEN”

This Green Scene story spotlights an environmentally focused attraction, event, person or place that enriches the Florida Keys

On Wednesday 9th July, Key West’s pink taxi company, Five 6’s Taxi, launched 10 new hybrid vehicles as the first step in converting its entire fleet to environmentally friendly hybrids.

Hybrid vehicles are part battery-electric and part conventional cars. As they are more fuel-efficient they burn less petrol, which reduces harmful emissions.

“By going hybrid, we expect the emissions factor to be reduced by 80 percent,” said Glenn Stevenson of the Key West taxi company.

According to a representative of the international Taxi, Limousine and Paratransit Association, Five 6’s Taxi is the first taxi company in Florida to operate hybrids. The fuel-efficient vehicles are expected to achieve over 45 miles per gallon / 6.19 litres per kilometre in the city, contributing to the Keys’ eco-friendly atmosphere and allowing visitors to help the environment even when on holiday.

Five 6’s Taxi has been serving the community and guests of Key West for over 40 years. It operates the largest taxi fleet in the Florida Keys, employing friendly local drivers with extensive knowledge of the island city. The company plans to replace their other 13 sedan vehicles with hybrids by March 2009, and replace their 23 seven-passenger “Maxi Taxis” with hybrids when a suitable hybrid alternative becomes available. For more information visit keywesttaxi.com.