Get Home Safe the Eco-Friendly Way

Responsible New Year's Eve revelers concerned about drinking and driving have known for years they could hire someone else to do the driving. But until recently, those responsible revelers who wanted to go green didn't have many options.

Now they do.

Ben Elrod, the owner of Elite Greencar, said he spent the day "fielding calls for reservations for the New Year's celebrations."

"A lot of people that are our regular clients definitely know that they're going green," Elrod said, "and a lot of corporations are going green, so [our service] meets their green initiative."

Elite Greencar is the first eco-limousine service in Atlanta. Elrod said his limousines' emissions are 70 percent lower than regular vehicles. Also, they get better gas mileage.

"It's safer for me, rather than taking a cab or MARTA," said Alexis Veremakis, who was visiting Atlanta on business from Virginia. "I work for an eco-friendly company, so we try to be eco-friendly not only in the office but also while traveling."

Elite Greencar uses hybrid limos that run on gasoline and electricity. On the open road, hybrids generally get 27 to 33 miles per gallon, but in town, they can get close to 100.

Clients hire Elite's green limousines for business trips, trips to the airport, or even just a little shopping.

"I was trying to avoid the hassles of parking and just get in and out," said Brooke Taylor. "Elite Greencar offered a more eco-friendly option to taking a taxi or a limo service."

Riding in a green limousine costs about $10 more than a taxi, but about half the cost of a conventional limo.

For more information, call Elite Greencar at 404-350-8511.