If you missed News Channel 8 reporter Jodi Latina’s August 5 test drive,
take a look as she takes a spin with Metro Taxi Hybrid driver Richard Miller.
Can't play the movie?  Download QuickTime here.

Is it true that the company long known for its distinctive orange and white colors is going green? Metro Taxi has added its first hybrid electric vehicle – a 2008 Ford Escape – to the company’s 161-cab fleet.

Metro Taxi’s four-door, five-passenger, full hybrid cab is already serving residents, students, tourists and corporate clients in 16 Connecticut cities and towns.

Many customers are even calling (203) 777-7777 to specifically request it. This eco-friendly vehicle was displayed at the 2008 Connecticut Folk Festival & Green Expo at Southern Connecticut State University, September 14, 2008, where it provided free public transportation to the Farmer’s Market and Common Ground Farm.

Metro Taxi’s hybrid cab is distinguished by this logo on its driver, front-passenger, and trunk doors.

Environmental awareness is not new to Metro Taxi. Since 2001, the company has been recycling its own used motor oil – approximately 3,000 gallons a year – as a source of heat for its 3,200-square-foot, seven-bay service department at the company’s West-Haven facility. For numerous years, Metro Taxi has also utilized National Environmental Services (NES) to recycle anti-freeze for its taxis. Prior to purchasing the four-cylinder Ford Escape Hybrid, Metro Taxi has increasingly purchased six-cylinder vehicles; continuously reducing its usage of eight-cylinder-engine cars. 

“Stepping up our environmental efforts is the right thing to do for everyone: clients, drivers, employees, our planet.” says William Scalzi, founder and president of Metro Taxi. “Adding a hybrid to the fleet is the newest example of how we recognize the importance of cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions and limiting the world’s carbon footprint. Our ongoing recycling efforts also help to ensure that hazardous waste is disposed or reused safely. As a business striving to be innovative, socially-responsible and cost-efficient, we hope to buy more hybrid vehicles in the future.”

Scalzi held a drawing at his company’s annual “Driver Appreciation Day” picnic on June 26, 2008 to select a driver for the hybrid. Of the more than 150 drivers who work as independent contractors for Metro Taxi, Richard Miller won the raffle. He has been driving with Metro Taxi since 1993.

From left to right – Metro Taxi President William Scalzi congratulates Richard Miller
who has been driving with Metro Taxi for 15 years

“Customers just love the car,” according to Miller, “and I’m proud to drive it and serve the public.” Miller noted that the Ford Escape Hybrid transitions easily from gasoline engine to electric generator motor, accommodating changing conditions such as city driving or idling. In this way, he gets more mileage out of each gallon of gasoline while minimizing emissions.