Sign in to view
member only content

Springwise likes the simple premise behind PlanetTran, most likely the world’s first livery service (hired cars such as taxis and limousines) that only uses environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles. Based out of Boston, PlanetTran‘s fleet of Toyota Priuses shuttle customers to and from Logan Airport and other destinations at standard market rates. While hybrid cars are still expensive, the gas/electric Prius rates 60 miles per gallon in city driving, while a typical livery car like the Crown Victoria only gets 18 miles a gallon. Using PlanetTran won’t hurt your corporate image either, the company recently signed up its first corporate customer: Cambridge-based Gen-zyme, a biomedical research company. With car manufacturers now rolling out new hybrid cars every month (which means more consumers will be familiar with the concept), and oil prices at a historic high, PlanetTran is well-positioned to reap the benefits of this pleasant ‘green meets comfort’ venture.

Opportunities

Ah, if only marketers and environmentalists would hook up more often. Many consumers are environmentally aware, but entrepreneurs looking to cash in on this, need to make it as convenient as possible for their customers to convert to greener behaviour. Like PlanetTran’s marketing-driven spin on eco-friendly transportation, what other existing new technologies can you turn into a regular, consumer-focused service? Onwards!