Arlington’s transportation commission has recommended 76 new permits be issued to taxi companies in the county, nearly half of which would go to a new, environmentally friendly firm. At a meeting Monday night, the commission recommended that the Arlington Board issue 35 permits for Envirocab, a new cab company devoted to operating hybrid vehicles in the county.
The commission also recommended 20 new permits for Red Top, the county’s largest company, as well as 10 each for Blue Top and Yellow Cab, and three each for Crown Cab and Friendly Cab.
Monday’s meeting, which lasted until nearly 1 a.m. Tuesday, drew about 100 attendees and 16 speakers unaffiliated with the cabs, according to county transportation planner Richard Hartman. Citizen attendees spoke in favor of a cab company promising to reduce carbon emissions, while industry veterans spoke cautiously about a new firm coming in that isn’t run by individuals experienced in running a taxi service. Hans Hess, EnviroCab’s owner, is also the founder of health-conscious restaurant Elevation Burger in Falls Church.
Hess said Tuesday the firm plans to bring on additional management before operations begin.
Charlie King, vice president of Red Top, which also owns Yellow Cab, said he was disappointed by the commission’s recommendations.
“We felt that we made a case for more than the number recommended for us,” King said. The company, which was seeking 50 new permits, said it would make any additional cabs to its fleet hybrid vehicles.
Hess, who was seeking 100 permits, said his company would be in better shape with a fleet of 50 or 70 but was still pleased by Envirocab’s reception from the county.
“They found there was a need for a taxi service which focused on environmental concerns, and we felt that was hugely supportive,” Hess said. Envirocab still needs approval from the county board, which will meet in September, to operate in Arlington.
