California Center for Sustainable Energy

The first hybrid taxis at San Diego International Airport made their official debut Nov. 21 as part of an initiative to bring clean vehicles into the taxi fleet involving CCSE, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Mossy Toyota and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.

More than 30 hybrid vehicles are involved in the launch of the program, including the first commercial use of the new Prius v in the nation, according to Heather Shepard, program manager for CCSE’s Airport Vehicle Rebate Program ( AVRP). Shepard estimates that taxi operators switching to hybrid cabs will save $1,000 to $1,500 per month depending on miles driven.

"This partnership creates an incentive package to encourage adoption of more fuel-efficient taxis through a combination of vehicle rebates, reduced taxi permit fees and a special financing and maintenance package," Shepard said.

Nationwide, the cab industry is in transition as owners and drivers look for alternatives to driving gas-guzzling cars, mostly Ford Crown Victoria sedans that average 15 miles per gallon. Hybrid cars provide 40 or more miles per gallon.

CCSE and the Airport Authority teamed up to secure funding from the state’s Reformulated Gasoline Settlement Fund to establish the rebate. CCSE received $750,000 for rebates to ground transportation providers at the airport, including more than $200,000 earmarked for green cabs. Rebates are dependent on vehicle type, model year and fuel technology and range from $1,000 to $7,500.

Despite the availability of rebate funds, there were still many hurdles to overcome to convince taxi owners and drivers to consider hybrids, according to Shepard. CCSE partnered with Mossy Toyota and the airport to develop a taxi package including low-cost financing, special discounted maintenance with service offered during off hours and front of the line privileges from the airport hold lot. There are about 1,000 cabs operating in the city, including 300 at the airport.

"Our goal is that through the successful introduction of hybrid taxis at the airport, we can help spur greater interest in clean vehicle technology from the cabs operators in the San Diego area," said Mike Ferry, CCSE’s transportation programs manager.

Continue reading November's newsletter.