4/14/2007 Update:

Some rumors going around that these Pedicabs were going to be spotted today, and a Roving Hoboken411 Reporter went out looking for them:


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4/4/2007:
What are your thoughts about this? Here are some of mine:

  • “great, good for the environment & more transportation choices”
  • “holy crap, imagine the traffic jams as these pedicabs (going 8mph) try to navigate around double parkers all around town, causing slower traffic all behind them”
  • “Hmmm, maybe less car and pedestrian accidents if everyone is going slower”
  • “I can get there faster if I walk. Plus it’s exercise.”
  • “How soon before there is a casualty?”

They have them in NYC, but I’ve only seen tourists use them. Would anyone be caught dead in one of these?

From NJ.com:

Pedicabs prep to roll

Wednesday, April 04, 2007
By COTTON DELO
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

pedicab-hoboken.jpgHoboken’s first pedicab entrepreneurs are mobilizing their fleet to be operational later this month.

Pedi Trans, LLC, is the brainchild of Chris Costello of North Bergen and his cousin, Tony Vlachos, a Jersey City cop. They’re seeking to eventually operate in Jersey City, Belmar, Atlantic City, Ocean Grove and Asbury Park, but Hoboken is their “bread and butter,” Costello says.

They’re shooting for an April 21 start date and are currently seeking operators.

The cousins plan to start with 10 vehicles or fewer, and Costello contests the notion that pedicabs threaten the livelihood of taxi drivers. He thinks his fleet will be utilized mostly by people wishing to go short distances - as well as for special events like weddings and sightseeing.

Operators will pay a fee to drive the vehicles, and the cash they take in from passengers is theirs to keep. In this initial roll-out phase, there’s no fixed price for people hailing a pedicab on the street; they are expected to graciously tip their driver. Those who call the dispatcher requesting a pick-up will pay a rate that has yet to be determined.

It doesn’t require exceptional brawn to drive a pedicab, Costello says. He the average woman could do it. Only a driver’s license, a record free of DUIs and participation in a one-day course are needed.

According to Hoboken Councilwoman Theresa LaBruno, pedicab owners don’t currently need a special license to operate in the city.

“I’m very confident that the pedicab business in Hoboken isn’t going to cause chaos or confusion,” she added.

The parking and transportation subcommittee LaBruno chairs will discuss pedicabs at its meeting today at 5 p.m. in City Council chambers, 94 Washington St. The meeting is open to the public.

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