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> View Press Release on Arlington County's Website FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Contacts: Richard Hartman 703-228-4019 (voice), 703-228-4611 (TTY)
County Board approves hybrid taxicab fleet for Arlington ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Arlington County Board on Tuesday approved Arlington’s first all-hybrid taxicab fleet and more hybrid taxicabs for Arlington’s existing taxi companies. The move will add 85 fuel-efficient, low-emission hybrids to the County’s taxi fleet. “Our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are clearly paying off,’’ said County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson. The Board unveiled an initiative on Jan. 1, Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) that aims to slash the production of greenhouse gases by County buildings and operations 10 percent by 2012. “Investing in hybrids makes sense for the environment, and good economic sense for these companies,” Ferguson said. Board approves EnviroCAB’s all-hybrid fleet The Board approved the application of EnviroCAB, a new company, to operate an all-hybrid taxi fleet of 50 Toyota Prius and Ford Escape taxicabs. It also accepted the County Manager’s determination that Arlington’s existing taxi companies be allowed to add 35 new hybrid taxicabs. EnviroCAB said in its application that it was inspired by the County’s Fresh AIRE program. The company’s fleet will be owned by the drivers, but it will provide a centralized dispatch service. Arlington’s taxicab ordinance requires County Board approval of any new company that wants to operate a taxicab business in the County. Board permits existing cab companies to add 35 hybrids In a separate action, the Arlington County Board also upheld the County Manager’s award of 35 additional hybrid taxicabs to three companies that currently operate in Arlington. The Board denied an appeal by Blue Top Cab and affirmed the County Manager’s decision to issue licenses for 20 additional hybrid taxis to Red Top Cab, 10 to Crown Cab and five to Yellow Cab. Each of those companies had proposed that any new taxicabs they would operate would be hybrid-technology vehicles. In its action, the Board confirmed the benefits of introducing low-emission, fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles to the Arlington taxi fleet. The 85 additional hybrid taxicabs, as well as one new wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Friendly Cab Company, will be added to the fleet of 666 taxicabs currently authorized for the six taxicab companies now operating in Arlington. ### Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally part of the “10-mile square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Known for its urban villages and transit-oriented development, Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth.” Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
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