And it cuts down his outlay for gasoline at a time when prices keep rising steadily.
The average price in Santa Cruz is up to $3.24 per gallon, according to AAA. A year ago, the statewide average was $2.67.
The Prius is rated at 55 miles per gallon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, although some Prius devotees tracking their fuel economy at www.greenhybrid.com say their vehicles do much better.
The numbers outpace the EPA highway ratings for two other models in the St. James fleet, the Lincoln Town Car, 25 miles per gallon, and Chevrolet Suburban, 21 mpg.