The newest addition to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s line up is a hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. The car is powered by both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, making it especially efficient for in-town driving and stop-and-go traffic, something JTA’s clerk messenger Rita Hutton deals with every day.
The car has an EPA-estimated rating of 52 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway.
“The idea is that if our trial run is successful we could end up using more of these cars for our administrative fleet,” said Stephanie Barker, communications coordinator with the JTA.
So far Hutton is enjoying her new ride, which has a CD and cassette player, automatic locks and air conditioning.
“I’m in my car between five and a half and six hours a day,” she said. “This car drives really well and people are stopping me all the time to find out about it.”