Last spring Arlington approved a new cab company, enviroCAB, to provide taxicab service in the county. It was the first new taxi company in Arlington in at least twenty-five years. All its vehicles are hybrids, challenging the status quo of the Crown Victorias other companies use. Most of the time a cab carries a single passenger, so providing a more fuel efficient choice seems like a no-brainer: why drive around in a Crown Vic to just carry one person?

They appear to be doing very well. I, for one, now call them first for all my taxicab needs. I used to be a Red Top customer and still feel they have excellent drivers and service, but given the choice, I’m going with the hybrid. I’ve ridden numerous times and have gotten very positive reviews from the drivers. They like the company, they like their cars, and they save a lot of money on gas.

Most exciting of all, now the other companies, are running many hybrid taxis, too. By approving enviroCAB, the Arlington County Board has begun transforming the taxi market in the county. Do you know if this has started spilling over to the adjoining jurisdictions? DC still has no hybrid taxis.

At an Arlington hearing last year, where enviroCAB argued its case for introducing the service, many competitors presented insubstantial and shortsighted arguments for keeping enviroCAB out. Fortunately, the county saw past those arguments and made the foresighted decision. Next time you are cabbing in or out of Arlington, you can call them at (703) 920-3333.

Steve Offutt has been working at the confluence of business and environment for almost 20 years, with experience in climate change solutions, green building, business-government partnerships, transportation demand management, and more. He lives in Arlington with his wife and two children and is a cyclist, pedestrian, transit rider and driver.