More people are using public transportation whenever they can. They take their bike for short journeys or walk when they are not restricted by time or the elements. Now, there may be another option for them to consider - the green taxi or limo service.

You can be taken to your destination not just in style, but ecologically aware as well. As more people demand more alternatives to what is already exists, more green taxi and limo services will be started.

What type of certificate or licenses do I need to get started?

A commercial driver's license is the first item you need. You will also need a certificate from the city in which you live allowing you to provide these services within the city limits. Your fleet will have to be inspected and certified as well as accurately metered. In addition, you will need to have your fleet inspected to ensure that it is green. You will also need to have excellent commercial insurance coverage on all vehicles.

What kind of skills or education do I need?

You should have some basic business skills to handle the business aspect. You should also have excellent customer service and communication skills and excellent driving skills. You should know the city routes well, including alternate routes to take to avoid construction and traffic, tourist attractions and other points of interest, the best shopping and dining and other areas of interest to your customers.

What is the market size or market potential?

Having a major metropolitan airport or serving as an outlying hub will serve as a great market potential for your business. Other factors that could increase the chances of success include: museums or tourist attractions, major business centers, exclusive shopping or dense population.

How many people will I realistically need to employ from the start?

Hopefully, your business will grow and expand once you get started. However, when you initially start your business, you will need a minimum of two people- one to answer phones and one to drive the car. As your business grows you will need a fleet of green limos or taxis on the road with many drivers, and at least two people answering the phones. You will also need to add mechanics to keep the cars running smoothly and other personnel as you grow.

What are the risks? The high cost of automobile insurance can keep this from being a lucrative venture- especially if you are trying to compete with bigger and more established companies in a relatively small area.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources
• *75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make A Difference
• *Finding the Sweet Spot: The Natural Entrepreneur's Guide to Responsible, Sustainable, Joyful Work
• *101 Ways to Turn Your Business Green: The Business Guide to Eco-Friendly Profits
• *Start Your Own Green Business (Start Your Own...)
• *Global Warming Is Good for Business: How Savvy Entrepreneurs, Large Corporations, and Others are Making Money While Saving the Planet
• *The Plot to Save the Planet: How Visionary Entrepreneurs and Corporate Titans Are Creating Real Solutions to Global Warming
• *Starting Green: An Ecopreneur's Guide to Starting a Green Business from Business Plans to Profits