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Mostly Cloudy The little hybrid that could
More miles, less cost for Village Car Service and its riders
The rise in fuel costs over the last few months has hurt just about everyone’s wallets. Homeowners, car owners and lawn mower enthusiasts have all felt the impact, but perhaps most of all it’s the people who depend on fuel in order to work.
That’s why the people at Village Car Service, which serves the Lynbrook and East Rockaway communities, recently decided to purchase a 2007 Toyota Prius — a car that gets between 45 and 50 miles per gallon, according to Operation Manager David O’Neill.
“With the gas prices on the rise we were looking to get more gas-efficient vehicles to keep the prices down for the passengers,” O’Neill said, “rather than charge surcharges like some other companies were looking to do, or increase their prices.”
O’Neill said that Village Car Service had been looking to add a fuel-efficient car, and once gas prices neared the $4 mark they decided it was time. Drivers at Village Car Service pay for their own gas during night shifts, while the company pays for fuel during the days. “Rather than spending lets say $35-$40 a shift you’re spending $10-$15,” O’Neill said of the Prius’ impact on fuel costs.
He added that the employees all love driving the Prius and said the way it’s determined who drives it is by seniority and driving records. Village Car Service currently has six vehicles in its fleet, including two town cars, two mini vans, one SUV and one hybrid. O’Neill said the company plans to purchase more fuel-efficient cars in the future.
“It will bring recognition as far as going green and being able to put Lynbrook on the map for the first fuel-efficient taxi in the incorporated village,” O’Neill said. “Maybe other owners in the surrounding areas will follow.”
