Most people already know that purchasing environmentally friendly products, rather than their less friendly competitors, helps increase the market for green products. One “product” that many people don’t know they could choose is taxi cabs. Most people have seen hybrid taxis, and even heard the fuss drivers make when cities institute rules requiring clean cabs. The drivers see turning the cars clean as an added expense, rather than for the benefits. In order for drivers to willingly change, they need to see the benefits.
I saw one of the potential benefits at play when I landed in Boston and took a cab home. There was a sign at the taxi stand that said “you can request a clean air cab.” I asked for the hybrid taxi, and there weren’t any near the front of the line. At first, the guy at the stand told me to wait up front while one came up to the front of the line. There isn’t as much benefit to asking for a hybrid if the standard cabs are still going to get used while I wait. I asked if there was one in line already, so he checked, and there was one near the end. He signaled the hybrid to the front of the line, and I was picked up immediately.
The hybrid taxi got to skip the line, most likely angering the other cabbies waiting (I hope so). As more people ask for hybrid taxis, the other drivers have to wait longer, and they begin to see benefits that are actually relevant to them. Aside from being and hybrid, and sometimes size for larger parties, there aren’t really any other reasons why taxis are given preference above the others. As taxi drivers see that driving a hybrid would get them fares sooner, saving them time and leading to more money, more cab drivers will choose hybrid cars.
Next time you call for a taxi, take one from the airport or hotel, or whenever they have to wait for customers in line, be sure to ask for a hybrid.
