SINGAPORE — Starting next month, 400 new Prius Hybrid SMRT taxis will be hitting the roads. And by next March, another 300 will be added, bringing the total number of such taxis in SMRT’s fleet to 1,300.

Together with the company’s existing 99 eco-friendly Hyundai Azeras, they will account for more than a third of SMRT’s entire taxi fleet of 3,800.

“The new hybrid vehicles demonstrate SMRT’s strong commitment to provide environmentally-friendly modes of transportation to Singapore roads. These technologically-advanced taxis will offer our passengers quieter and smoother rides, while guaranteeing a cleaner and greener ride,” said Mr Benny Lim, managing director of SMRT Roads in a statement yesterday.

Flag-down rates for SMRT’s Prius Hybrid taxis will remain at S$3.80, compared with the S$3 rate for its Toyota Crown taxis. Premier Taxi charges a flag-down rate of S$3.50 for its Toyota Prius, while Prime Taxi charges S$3.50 and S$3.70 for the Prius 1.5 and 1.8, respectively.

SMRT Prius taxi driver Vincent Yap, who has been driving the car model for close to a year, said it does provide a pleasant experience. “I switched to the Prius Hybrid taxi because I was attracted to its environmentally-friendly features. Most of my passengers have given feedback that their rides were smoother and quieter. Opting for the Prius has helped me save on fuel costs and, at the same time, make a responsible contribution to travelling on Singapore roads,” said the 54-year-old.

Apart from expanding its eco-friendly taxi fleet, SMRT has also sealed a partnership with Exxon­Mobil, extending greater petrol savings to its partners. By using the Esso Smiles Card, taxi drivers can enjoy a discount when they top up their petrol. They can also enjoy an additional S$1 discount off every S$20 of petrol purchase, from Aug 1 to Oct 31.

SMRT expands fleet of Prius Hybrid taxis