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Mark Schantz, The Suncoast News
September 07, 2011
TARPON SPRINGS - Can an electric cart taxi service find happiness and success in this city by offering free rides between tourist districts?
Business partners Jason Gibertoni and Kevin Martyn, owners of Florida Free Rides, told city commissioners last week their business plan, which has proven successful on Clearwater Beach, can work in Tarpon Springs, too.
The two want to operate a tour-guided taxi service, ferrying passengers within "free zones" between downtown and the Sponge Docks.
Mayor David Archie welcomed the new business, noting there are still logistics that need to be worked out before service can begin.
For example, the 5-passenger electric carts travel too slowly to be permitted on state or federal roads such as Pinellas Avenue, as Alt. 19 is known in the city. The drivers can, however, cross major state roads and use side streets to travel between tourist districts. A gas-powered mini van may be used on Alt. 19.
"Since no fare is involved, drivers are friendly because they depend on tips and act more like concierges or tour guides than do trolley or taxi drivers," Gibertoni said. "They entertain passengers, offering information about events and advising riders where to shop and dine."
At a recent Dunedin commission meeting, Gibertoni's comments were echoed by officials who complained that Jolley Trolley drivers do not announce stops or popular downtown restaurants. Trolley officials offered a fare-based electric taxi service to both cities and said they would talk to drivers about being friendlier.
Florida Free Rides, Martyn said, would also like to expand their taxi service into Dunedin. He sees Florida Free Rides as complimenting the Jolley Trolley and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus service, rather than competing.
Gibertoni told Tarpon officials that because of the low operating cost of the electric vehicles, their free service would be funded by not only tips but also advertising and sponsorships. "Restaurants and businesses want to advertise on Florida Free Rides because then they want to be promoted by drivers," said Gibertoni. Each electric cart is equipped with a small television informing visitors about events and the best places to shop or dine. The duo envisions a two cart fleet and perhaps one gas powered mini van to provide service in Tarpon.
Planning Director Renea Vincent said the city commission would have to approve Florida Free Rides and Jolley Trolley electric cart service, or any other taxi service that wants to operate in Tarpon Springs.
Original article in The Suncoast News.
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