Green taxis becoming popular in Charleston

Alexander Franklin and Chris Nichols worked as valet doormen at a downtown hotel when they came up with the idea.
“We noticed that the average going rate to go to the airport was rising to about $50 with some of the big SUV’s,” explained 24 year old Alexander Franklin.
That’s when they realized that not only should there be a cheaper alternative but also one that is environmentally friendly than the typical taxicab.
In May of this year, they went from valet doormen to entrepreneurs offering a taxi service using fuel efficient cars.
Charleston Green Taxi started out with 3 hybrids but since has seen there fleet grown to 6 vehicles. The “green” taxis average between 38 and 48 miles to the gallon.
Hybrid vehicles run on half electric-half gas which gives many benefits to a cab company. The vehicles do not use gas when idling, which means that a taxi sitting in traffic does not use its engine. No engine means no emissions and that’s an idea that has been widely accepted by their Charleston customers.
“Now a day people just want to do their share and help and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Franklin.