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Ride of the Week

Emma Garrard/Sierra SunStephen Lederman
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How long have you been operating the ECO-TAXI taxi service?Ive been operating for about two months; I came up with the idea this summer.How many vehicles do you have for the service?Just one right now, but I should get another within the next month and by summer hopefully three vehicles.How many drivers do you have?It was just me at first, but now I have two other people. How often do you drive the taxi?Whenever people call. Its busiest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and I do more scheduled trips like to the Reno airport during the week.How far will you drive?I would go to Kentucky if someone wanted, but it would be pricey.What type of fuel do you use in the truck?Its recycled vegetable oils from restaurants; they save it and I throw it in the tank. It has to be a diesel truck (to use vegetable oil). I have to heat it and then filter it. Runs great, but smells like popcorn.Who converted the truck to use vegetable oil?I did it myself. I wouldnt say its that hard to do, but I grew up working on cars. Its pretty basic. How does the truck run in winter?It runs great, I start it up on biodiesel in the main tank, let it heat up and then switch it over to a 100-gallon vegetable oil tank in the bed.How often do you have to refill the tank?About once a month.Have you run a vehicle off of vegetable oil before?Ive been doing it for a while. The last truck I drove to the East Coast twice, Arizona and Alaska without buying gas. It was an adventure but also demonstrated the ability of not buying gas. Do you have much experience driving taxis?I dont know a lot about taxis, but I wanted to do something to promote the use of alternative fuel. There is also an underdeveloped public transit system in this area. How many passengers can you carry?Up to six.What other ideas do you have for the company?One other idea would be to get a tow dolly so I could tow my passengers car home.If someone wanted a more information number should they call?(530) 386-3836The Suns Emma Garrard conducted this weeks Ride of the Week interview and photo shoot. Send suggestions for future interviews to editor@sierrasun.com, subject Ride of the Week.


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