Halifax's First Hybrid Cab

Jean LaLancette, a Halifax taxi driver for 20 years, now saves over 50 per cent on fuel after switching to a Toyota Camry Hybrid in March 2008.

Jean operates the only Hybrid vehicle in the Yellow Cab fleet.

When it came time to purchase a new vehicle in the Spring, he was torn about his options.

"I just couldn't see myself buying another vehicle with the current gas prices the way they are and continue to make a living in this business unless I did something about cutting my expenses," Jean says.

He decided to go with the Camry Hybrid, Toyota's energy-efficient vehicle that produces fewer emissions and offers more kilometres on less fuel as a result of its combined gas/electric-powered motor.

Jean's former car, an Oldsmobile Delta '98 LSS got 450 kilometres on 60 litres of gas.

His new energy-efficient Hybrid gets 860 kilometres on 56 litres of gas.

It's been a lucrative purchase for Jean. "The money that I would have spent on gas is paying for my insurance," he says. "Going green can save you money!"

Jean recommends the Hybrid especially for those in the transportation or delivery industries in urban areas.

Because the vehicle is powered only by its electric motor when travelling at low speeds or when stopped at intersections and red lights, drivers doing a lot of in-town driving will really stretch their fuel dollars further - not to mention the environmental benefit of producing fewer carbon emissions.

His top three selling points for the Hybrid: Savings. Savings. Savings.