Green Taxi in Melbourne

HYBRIDS PUT TAXI INDUSTRY ON COURSE FOR A GREENER DRIVE
Monday, 27 April 2009
The Victorian taxi fleet will soon be even greener following the latest offer of 100 ‘green top’ taxi licences, half of which are for hybrid vehicles.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said that the new release is a testament to the Brumby Government’s commitment to create a more environmentally friendly taxi fleet.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response for the recent round of peak service licences, with the Victorian Taxi Directorate receiving more than 600 expressions of interest from career taxi drivers,” Ms Kosky said.

“Particularly encouraging is that there was equal demand for hybrid and conventional vehicles, which shows the taxi industry is embracing the shift towards becoming more environmentally friendly.”

Ms Kosky said that the new ‘green top’ taxis will continue to address peak demand and allows career drivers to be their own boss.

“Peak service taxis have been highly effective in reducing wait times for passengers and ensuring that people can catch a taxi during the late night and early morning hours,” she said.

“These licences also reward experienced taxi drivers, who have demonstrated service excellence within the industry, by providing them with a unique opportunity to run their own business.”

The ‘green’ taxi licences have been offered at the reduced rate of $765 (inc GST) instead of the $6,265 (inc GST) per annum fee for conventional vehicles.

Peak service taxis can operate between 3pm and 7am in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The Brumby Government expects the first of the new peak service taxis to hit the streets within the next couple of months.

The latest issue of licences fulfils the Government's commitment to introduce 600 new peak service taxis over six years as part of a reform package designed to create a world class taxi and hire vehicle industry for Victoria.