Toronto’s EcoCabs

Powered primarily by pedal, Toronto’s EcoCabs also boast an electric motor that helps the vehicles hit speeds of 12 k/hr. They have no problem fitting into bike lanes, and their drivers can easily match speeds with other bikers to avoid congestion or collision. Last year’s pilot program yielded an occupancy rate of an impressive 90 percent. The best part of the Eco Cabs, however, might be its business model.

The Cabs are completely run on funding generated by advertising revenue.

The cabs in Toronto will rejoin the fleets of EcoCabs around the world that have already had success in countries like Sweden and Ireland. The EcoCabs have made debuts in over fifty cities already–let’s hope the global recession doesn’t swallow up the advertising revenue needed to power this great green idea.

– from treehugger. 26 Jan 2009

See the the picture how efficient the cabs are. India must redesign our pedal powered rickshaws like these.