Hybrid taxis now the transport of choice

Warrnambool Radio Taxis has six petrol-electric Camrys representing half its fleet and has plans for more.

The  opposition 13CABS fleet has two of the hybrids and will soon add another with a distinct difference — it can run on LPG as well as petrol and electricity.

Falcons still in the fleets will be gradually phased out.

According to both companies the hybrids have proven to be more reliable and   economical  than the traditional gas-powered cars which once dominated the fleet.

“With the number of kilometres we do it’s all about economy, so we try to source what is the most efficient vehicle,” Radio Taxis spokesman Andrew Watson said. 

“We cover 120,000-130,000 (kilometres) a year  in our taxis and need reliability. Some of  our  Camrys have done 250,000 kilometres and have been basically maintenance-free apart from tyres, lights and other usual replacement items.

“We had three diesel vehicles and traded them for hybrids.” The chief operating officer for the metropolitan-based 13CABS, Stuart Overell, said his company had improved the  hybrid Camry economy even further by  fitting a compact LPG tank and engine injection system. 

“This hybrid is much more efficient than straight LPG,”  he said. “We’re selling 10 hybrid-gas Toyota taxis to every one Falcon. The vehicle has been developed in our metro market and made available across all our network.

“There is likely to be one in Warrnambool soon. Hybrids are the way of the future.”