The vehicles will be deployed over the next year and, once complete, almost a fifth of SMRT’s fleet of 3,500 taxis will be hybrids. Customers will be able to specify a hybrid taxi when they book, either via the company’s hotline or the forthcoming smartphone app.

Mr Benny Lim, senior vice president of SMRT Roads said: ‘Opting for Hybrid vehicles is a conscious move on SMRT’s part in generating more positive environmental footprint on roads. We are also pleased to share that beyond enhanced features like better stability, driving mode switch, our taxi partners will also benefit from lower fuel costs from the vehicle’s greater fuel efficiency features.’