Province Helps Taxi Drivers Go Green

Conserve Nova Scotia's newest pilot project will help taxi drivers save money and help the environment by using less fuel.

The Fuel-Efficient Taxi Initiative was announced today, March 30, by Bill Estabrooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. The one-year pilot project will help green HRM's taxi fleet.

Under the program, Conserve Nova Scotia will provide a $2,500 incentive to six drivers to purchase a new fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle. Nine drivers will also be eligible for a $1,200 grant to collect data on fuel use, distance travelled, maintenance and repair costs.

"Halifax has more than 1,000 taxis that travel up to 80,000 kilometres a year. Clearly there is an opportunity here to reduce emissions and save money," said Mr. Estabrooks. "This project will give us a better idea of what those savings can be so we can help taxi drivers and others chose more fuel-efficient vehicles."

"HRM has the most nationally certified drivers, and the highest standards in vehicle quality in the country," said Stephen Adams, councillor and chair of the HRM Taxi and Limousine Advisory Committee. "This initiative could save more than 20,000 litres of fuel, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 tonnes per year."

The program will be administered by the Halifax Dartmouth Automobile Dealers Association.

"This exciting project will showcase new fuel-efficient vehicles, and proven technologies such as hybrids," said Doug Wilson, president of the automobile dealers association. "Once drivers see how much money they can save, I hope the taxi industry will choose more fuel-efficient vehicles."

Drivers may not have to wait a full year for results, as some taxis are already enjoying the benefits of being fuel-efficient.

"I decided to buy a hybrid car to use as a taxi in August, and since then I've cut my fuel bill in half," said Ravi Ubhi. "At this rate, I expect to save about $1,200 on gas each year."

HRM Regional Council recently amended by-law T-140 to allow slightly smaller hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles in the taxi fleet.

For more information, visit www.conservens.ca .