Eco-Cabs are a new and growing division of low emission taxis within First Direct. The Eco-Cab fleet is currently all hybrid (petrol-electric) Toyota Prius 4 seater cars and Toyota Estima 6 seater vans. These vehicles create huge fuel savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions compared to similar petrol vehicles.
Members of First Direct Eco-Cabs have signed up to the First Direct Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and have committed to offsetting CO2 emissions from the taxis.
Part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan involves all Eco-Cab drivers following a Sustainable Driving Course that has been developed for drivers of small commercial vehicles by First Direct and the Sustainable Business Network. On the course, drivers learn tips and techniques for saving fuel and particular instruction in driving hybrid vehicles.
Another part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan involves replacing the old First Direct topsign with a new one, which has been designed by First Direct to save fuel and decrease greenhouse gases by reducing the wind resistance on top of the taxi. The glowing green topsign is highly visible in the dark and can be clearly identified many blocks away. Because of favourable reports from Eco-Cab drivers, a different coloured version of the topsign will be on all First Direct vehicles by the end of 2008.
Eco-Cabs are part of a commitment by First Direct to find better ways to transport people in response to the environmental and social challenges we all face.
