BOSTON -- Drivers who use hybrid vehicles to get to Logan Airport will have preferred parking, and cab drivers who use vehicles with alternate fuels will also get some new perks with a new incentive program to encourage the use of hybrids and alternative fuels.

NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that a gallon of regular self-serve gas is averaging $2.76 in Massachusetts -- the highest price since Labor Day 2006. But gassing up the car not only can cost consumers, the environment can pay a price, too.

"From what I hear you save on gas now, but it costs more to buy the (hybrid) vehicle," said one driver.

Hybrids have an electric motor, a battery that automatically recharges when braking or when the vehicle is going fast enough to use the gas.

"When stopped at a light or going less than 10 mph, you're not using gas at all," said John Moore, co-founder of Clean Air Cabs.

To help clean up the environment, Boston is offering a two-fold hybrid incentive program. Cab owners looking to make the switch to a low emissions vehicle are eligible for $25,000 in grant money and hybrid cabs will have front of the line privileges at Boston's Logan Airport when picking up passengers.

"This move allows clean cabs to spend more time collecting fares and less time waiting in line," said Boston Mayor Tom Menino.

"The city is actually allowing cab owners to charge more in rental fees to the cab driver, and the driver obviously, is realizing this in the savings of fuel," said Mark Cohen of the Boston Police Licensing Division.

Other drivers of hybrid vehicles will be allowed preferential parking privileges and designated garage spaces starting in May.