Ads To Fuel New Downtown Rides

By RICH SHOPES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 5, 2008

Updated: 12:13 am

TAMPA - Downtown visitors can catch trolleys, cabs and streetcars, but soon they'll have another alternative: golf carts.

A Harbour Island man is starting a transportation service with golf carts. Technically known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, or NEVs, the vehicles already are popular in Orlando, Key West and a handful of towns and resorts, mostly in Sunbelt states.

In Tampa, the NEVs will start rolling sometime this month and operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Unlike regular taxis, customers will not call to arrange a pick up. Instead, the carts will troll busy tourist spots where pedestrians can flag them down. Patrons will not be charged for rides - they'll be encouraged to tip drivers - and revenue will come from ads on the vehicles.

"My whole goal is get people around a small area a lot more efficiently. Plus they're fun to ride in," said Todd Persico, who's starting the business, called Hop Tampa.

"I think that this area needs a new concept in downtown transportation and needs something to help people get around and discover what's happening in downtown Tampa," he said.

The NEVs, which cost about $17,000 each, look like stretched golf carts. They're legal by state law on roads with speed limits that don't exceed 35 mph. Unlike regular golf carts, they come with bucket seats, seat belts, brake lights, headlights and windshield wipers. They can reach speeds of 25 mph and run for 30 miles between charges.

Initially, the vehicles will operate only on weekend nights and in the arts district, Channel District and Harbour Island, where Persico lives. If the business takes off over the next year or so, it could be expanded to weekdays and to SoHo and Hyde Park.

Persico is starting with two carts - for now housed in the garage at his condominium - but he's hoping eventually to expand to five vehicles.

Electric Carts Pop Up Elsewhere

For the past year, a taxi service called O-Cartz has run electric carts in downtown Orlando, and in communities such as Key West the vehicles can be rented alongside scooters and bicycles.

In Tavares, 30 minutes north of Orlando, the city is considering allowing not just NEVs but also regular golf carts on city streets.

"It's just one more component to our transportation program," City Administrator John Drury said. The city also plans to allow water taxis.

Whenever Persico goes zipping on a trial run, the vehicles attract attention from passers-by. He's also found fans at the Tampa Downtown Partnership, an economic development group that has been calling for a downtown transportation system. The partnership plans to promote the vehicles in its brochures.

"I was surprised how comfortable it felt riding in them," said Karen Kress, partnership transportation director.

Persico also has tentative support from the city and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, the county's bus agency. The streetcar charges $2 per person; the trolleys, 50 cents.

"As far as competition I don't think it will be viewed that way. It's all supplemental to what we're doing," said Kathy Karalekas, a HART spokeswoman.

Taxi Drivers Cool On Carts

Not everybody is happy Persico's business is coming to town. Taxi drivers said it will cut into their business. Persico's carts will be free, except for tips. Taxis charge a flat $3 per person between downtown destinations.

"We already got the trolley, the streetcar and now this. It's going to hurt everybody big time," said Alex Hamed, a Yellow Cab driver.

Persico thinks the NEVs could supplement HART by shuttling people between stops. He does not plan to take passengers into Ybor City, where the streetcar starts its run.

Persico, a wholesale seller of annuities and a former commercial airline pilot, said he decided to launch the business because he noticed some people don't want to move their cars once they park downtown and don't want to pay to take taxis everywhere. The vehicles could benefit homeowners on Harbour Island and condo dwellers downtown as well.

Persico said he plans to make money by selling ads posted on the vehicles, which is why he's starting slowly with two vehicles. He initially planned to charge fares in the downtown district, like O-Cartz in Orlando, but was prohibited from doing so by the county's Public Transportation Commission, which regulates taxis.

To charge fares, he would need a taxi permit for each vehicle, and the commission is frugal when it comes to giving out permits.

"Everybody agrees it's a great concept, but last year they only allowed 13 permits for 18 taxis," he said.

Other than some initial conversations with merchants, he hasn't yet lined up advertisers or developed a rate package. His Web site, which is still being developed, is www.hoptampa.net.

"I'm working on that now. I think people wanted to see how it goes, what they look like," he said. "They definitely attract attention, but this is something that the city will have to embrace and the business community will have to embrace, or it will fizzle. I know it's going to be tough, but I see this as a marathon, not a sprint."

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633 or rshopes@tampatrib.com.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/05/me-ads-to-fuel-new-downtown-rides/?news-breaking

Sounds great!!! Especially since riders are not required to pay!

Thats neat!

If expanded I think that could be downtown Tampa's new transit system?

I rode one tonight it the Lightning game - it was pretty sweet. They are pretty big - probably could hold about 10 people. The driver said they made a ton the other night when it was raining.

excellent! this is the perfect example of an entrepreneur seeing a need and filling it!

Great to hear except for the part where he went and bought the vehicles before finding out he couldn't charge for rides because of the Public Transportation Commission. Hopefully he'll stay afloat.

I don't understand why we need the government to artificially limit cab permits, the free market should be able to do that nicely. Require registration and maintenance, not the number of cabs.

Take A Free Ride

http://snap.tbo.com/images/photos/100038/2008/05/24/gallery/1962895.jpg
Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN
Tim Ireland heads down Kennedy Boulevard Friday afternoon bringing a group of four from their office to lunch. Ireland was offering free rides in the fully electric vehicle.

By JOSE PATINO GIRONA
The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 25, 2008

Photos (http://snap.tbo.com/pages/gallery.php?gallery=326294)
Video: A Ride In Electric Motor Cart (http://www.tbo.com/video/xml/MGBR8ELWKGF.html)
DOWNTOWN - Jaimie Hendry was standing on the corner, waiting to cross the street, when she caught a glimpse of the vehicle that would change the course of her trip.

"I saw the car and thought, 'Look, how cute,'" Hendry said.

Tim Ireland pulled up, driving an electric motor cart that seats six. Hendry and her grandmother, Alice Royals, took advantage of the free service provided by Fast-Trac Legal Services, hitching a ride on the cart from city hall to the federal courthouse.

"I think it is a wonderful idea," Hendry said. "It is about time we use electric cars, especially downtown. We need to do something about our gas problem."

On a recent afternoon, Ireland drove the cart through downtown as people stared from cars, sidewalks and restaurants. He picked up passengers who had made appointments or people standing at intersections, driving them to restaurants or office buildings.

Ireland made small talk with his passengers and answered their questions about the vehicle.

"We are 100 percent green, riding clean," he said.

Ireland's brother Chris began offering the free rides in April. About a year ago, he saw people rent golf carts to get around in Key West.

For his legal services business, Chris Ireland travels from Riverside Heights to downtown about seven times a day. He decided he could offer rides downtown from the surrounding neighborhoods and transport people around downtown as well. The cart recently took a couple to the port to board a cruise ship.

The service is financed through advertising; the cart bears ads for Rick's on the River and Certified Quality Contractors.

The vehicle, which can cost about $15,000, runs on nine 8-volt batteries and charges in four to eight hours. It can run for four hours and travel up to 28 mph, Chris Ireland said.

He bought the Global Electric Motorcars E6 model from Bob Wilson Dodge in Tampa. Ireland and his partners, David Gorgei and Orlando De Los Santos Jr., both of Tampa, plan to introduce a second vehicle in two weeks.

Ireland said he's concentrating on downtown and the area bordered by Hillsborough, Rome, and Nebraska avenues plus parts of Hyde Park. The three partners and Tim Ireland share driving duties.

Chris Ireland said the vehicle beats gas prices and helps the environment.

"It is just serving the community," he said.

Angie Toledo, an accounting clerk for the county, and Liwan Gallop, a personnel analyst for the county, were given a business card touting the free service.

They called and asked for a ride from the County Center to Channelside Bay Plaza for lunch. The trip took six minutes.

"It's all about time," Toledo said. "We only have one hour for lunch. Going there in six minutes and then coming back, it was nice."

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 835-2110 or

HITCH A RIDE

WHAT: Fast-Trac Legal Services provides free rides in an electric motor cart in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

WHEN: Rides are available from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: The service covers downtown north to Hillsborough Avenue, east to Nebraska Avenue and west to Rome Avenue, plus Hyde Park south and west to Bern's Steak House on Howard Avenue.

CONTACT: Chris Ireland at (813) 376-0595

jpatino@tampatrib.com. Go to centraltampa.tbo .com or southtampa.tbo .com, keyword: Fast Trac, to see video of the cart.

http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/25/st-take-a-free-ride/?news

I work in channelside, I see them all the time,... the other day I heard the best quote from one of the drivers, a guy walked up and asked "how far do you go" , the driver replies "alll the way" ...lol! that junk still cracks me up

Need a ride? HOP on
Monday, July 21, 2008

http://www.baynews9.com/images/news/2008/7/21/smHOP.jpg
The electric cars can get about 40 miles of usage before being recharged.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- They're environmentally healthy, free to ride and popping up all over downtown Tampa.


They're called GEM cars and so far, thousands of visitors to downtown Tampa have hopped on for free rides.

The Global Electric Motorcars are part of a free shuttle service, using the Chrysler-made electric cars to transport visitors around downtown, Channelside, Ybor City and Hyde Park.

The service is called 'HOP Tampa' and it seems to be catching on.

"Hundreds of people on a weekend night alone,' said HOP Tampa owner Todd Persico, when asked how many people are using the service. "Probably a couple hundred every Friday and Saturday night, and that's with nothing going on."
More Information

* HOP TampaWatch Video
* HOP Tampa shuttles
* Global Electric Motorcars

The electric cars, which are not hybrids, use no gas at all. Persico said it costs about 50 cents worth of electricity to charge each vehicle. The cars can travel about 40 miles before needing another charge.

The service runs seven days a week.

"(It is) cutting gas consumption,' said Shannon Collins, a visitor from Washington, D.C., who caught a ride. "It's so important now and cutting emissions."

The service offers free rides because it generates revenue from advertisements placed on the vehicles. The drivers make money solely on tips.

Right now, there are four electric cars used in the service. In about two weeks, the service will debut in downtown St. Petersburg with two vehicles.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/7/21/366885.html?title=Need+a+ride?+HOP+on

I hope this is being used in areas not serviced by the rail... it's probably cutting into their ridership, but I dunno.

Yes it's being used in the same areas as the rail. And the bus. And other cabs. It's great competition and I hope this guy the best.

Free shuttle service could expand across the bay
Monday, December 22, 2008

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A free shuttle service could be coming to downtown St. Petersburg.

The company is called HOP and their Global Electric Motorcars are already servicing downtown Tampa.

They make their money from advertising and tips and the business is doing so well the owner Todd Persico wants to expand across the bay.

"The environment down there with the downtown as much as started to develop down there with bars and restaurants," Persico said. "We think it's a perfect opportunity to expand our service to an area that really needs it."

The area HOP would service would be from 9th Ave. N. to 9 Ave. S and 20th St. to Tampa Bay.

Before you see the cars downtown, city council has to give the okay. A public hearing is set for next month.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/12/22/417733.html?title=Free+shuttle+service+could+expand+across+the+bay

That would be awesome! Has anyone here been able to use the service thus far?

haven't used it but have seen others using it

Yeah, over the New Years holiday I saw several of these things driving around with passengers.

Great sign to see the business doing well off tips and advertsing.

Free electric cart rides fail to charm Tampa cabbies

By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Sunday, April 5, 2009

TAMPA — The little electric cart zips up to the curb of the Channelside entertainment complex.

Three clubgoers run up, and ask the driver: "Can you take us to the Embassy Suites?"

"Next stop, Embassy Suites," he replies as they climb in.

A breezy few blocks later, the three step out and hand over no fare, just a $5 tip. Downtown boosters say the free rides are a welcome addition, helping turn the neighborhood into a place to live, work and play without needing a car for short trips.

"It improves the experience of downtown," said Christine Burdick, president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

But cabdrivers have grown irritated, saying the "neighborhood electric vehicles" are taking away business.

"The only big thing I have is the unfairness of how they operate. If an Americab is sitting first out at the Marriott and all of a sudden one of these cars whips in front of him to take that fare, it isn't right," said Lou Minardi, owner of Yellow Cab. "My drivers get a little bit frustrated."

Some cabbies don't like short trips, so the vehicles — operated by companies called Hop Tampa, Green-Go, Mulligan Shuttle and Joy Ride — are no problem in a confined area.

But Minardi said the cars are venturing outside downtown to South Howard Avenue and as far away as International Plaza.

"They're starting to stretch out all over the place," he said.

The cabdrivers have asked Hillsborough County's Public Transportation Commission, which oversees cabs, limousines, towing companies and some ambulances, to step in and regulate the cars.

They say safety is a concern. The transportation commission regulates vehicle inspections and insurance, and driver background checks.

But cabdrivers also have talked about controlling the competition through permitting.

"I think the cabdrivers want them eliminated, not regulated," said Kevin White, a Hills*borough County commissioner who also serves as chairman of the transportation commission.

The problem: Hillsborough's commission regulates only vehicles for hire. The electric shuttles operate on tips only.

Todd Persico, owner of Hop Tampa, said when he started his business about a year ago, he approached the Public Transportation Commission about safety regulations and permits. He hoped to charge riders $3 for a short lift — a business model used by O-Carts in downtown Orlando since 2007.

But Persico said he was told it would be hard to get permits because they're tightly controlled.

"That's when I decided to operate it free of charge, and that kept me out of the regulations," he said. "Would I rather be able to charge $3 for a short run? Yes."

Persico said on a busy weekend night, he gets as many as 400 calls. He makes his money by selling ads on the cars to such business such as the Hyatt Regency downtown, Pizza Pazza on Harbour Island, and MacDinton's on South Howard Avenue.

Andrew Bonnemort, owner of Cafe du Frain on Harbour Island, is a fan of alternative transportation. He advertises with river taxis, which make regular stops at the restaurant's dock, and Hop Tampa, whose cars rotate by his restaurant's front door.

No taxis do that, he said.

And the customers like them.

"It's free, you can put six people in them, and the service is better," he said. "If they say they're going to be here in 20 minutes, then they are here in 20 minutes."

Persico is about to expand his business to downtown St. Petersburg this week. There, he'll charge a small fee.

St. Petersburg recently rewrote its rules to accommodate the neighborhood electric vehicles so they can be monitored for safety.

"It is absolutely perfect. We're part of the whole public transportation system," Persico said.

It's not as easy in Hillsborough County, which regulates for-hire vehicles differently than anyone in the state. Its Public Transportation Commission is the only one mandated by state statutes.

Changing the rules to cover the neighborhood electric vehicles requires a change by state lawmakers.

Transportation commission lobbyist Vic DiMaio said the matter may end up going to the Legislature during the next session. For now, though, he's trying to work out a compromise between the electric vehicle companies and the cab industry.

"We're trying to make everybody happy," he said.

The issue is scheduled for discussion at the transportation commission meeting Wednesday.

White points out that even without regulation, the vehicles are subject to some rules. They're supposed to run on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less. If they go somewhere else, police can cite them.

But the commission's staff is looking to see if it can jump in and regulate further without a change at the state level.

At a recent meeting, cabdrivers suggested that the vehicles do fall under the jurisdiction of the transportation commission because the cars aren't really free because drivers press people for tips.

That caught the attention of Rose Ferlita, a Hillsborough County commissioner and transportation commission member, who suggested having "mystery passengers" ride the cars and see if that's true.

Burdick said she isn't sure what all the fuss is about. She said electric vehicles are a fast, easy and fun way to get around downtown Tampa, and as she understands it, the cars take people to cab stands or trolley stops if they want to go beyond downtown or the South Howard area.

"This is an underlying support system for the cab industry," she said. "We think it's an amenity."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.


[Last modified: Apr 04, 2009 10:32 PM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article989786.ece

Yeah, over the New Years holiday I saw several of these things driving around with passengers.

Great sign to see the business doing well off tips and advertsing.

Its quite funny now that you mentioned tips. The article I just posted says this....

At a recent meeting, cabdrivers suggested that the vehicles do fall under the jurisdiction of the transportation commission because the cars aren't really free because drivers press people for tips.

That caught the attention of Rose Ferlita, a Hillsborough County commissioner and transportation commission member, who suggested having "mystery passengers" ride the cars and see if that's true.

Wonder if that is indeed true....

But Minardi said the cars are venturing outside downtown to South Howard Avenue and as far away as International Plaza.

Woah, those things are going all the way out to International Plaza?

BTW, there is no reason why the carts shouldn't be allowed in the intown area or whatever it's called. That would be the area that have the $3 cab fees for any trip within Ybor, Tampa Heights, Downtown, Channelside, Harbor Island, Davis Island, Hyde Park and/or SoHo.

Cabs are simply outdated in this case. It's a shame for them but they need to adapt, not drag down a competitior that has thoroughly beat them to better the area.

Good to see the politicians are mostly positive, those vehicles are great. Quick, cheap and easy. And even environmentally friendly. What's not to like? The only detractors seem to be cab drivers.

The one I was on just had a sign saying "We generously accept tips" or something along that line. Never was I told to read the sign or asked for tips, just that sign.

^That's good. The service is free and yet it is less pushy for tips then the cabs...

I agree that cabbies are simply behind the times. And yet in some places, the fares are outrageous.

What a stupid, stupid move by the City Council ... I've already written. This is from a newsletter I received from Cafe Dufrain:

Public Transportation Commision (TPC) shuts down all free electric car services.

Bad call. This decision causes a negative impact to downtown Tampa, area businesses, the environment, our locals & tourists.

TPC has said that they will work to put this free service into a separate category so they can operate, but have not provided a timeline or sense of urgency.

Please let your voice be heard and contact your City Council representative:
http://www.tampagov.net/appl_customer_service_center/form.asp?strServiceID=43


Locally, entrepreneurially minded folks have started up free transportation services using electric vehicles in downtown Tampa. The operators of these vehicles make their money by wrapping the cars in ads and accepting tips. Other than that, the ride is free.

But... Local cabbies are upset and demanding regulations to stop this sort of competition. Rather than coming up with better ways to compete, and requested government protectionist help. Amusingly, it's actually taxi regulations that have created some of this problem in the first place. At least one of the electric car owners notes that he approached the city about getting a license, but was denied, because of the artificial scarcity the city places on cabs via such regulations (which help keep the cost of a cab ride artificially high). But... the loophole is that the regulations only apply to hired transportation. If the transportation itself is "free" then there are no regulations.

Kent...which council person should I address this to?

Kent...which council person should I address this to?

I just sent it to the entire Council -- you don't have to designate a specific one, unless you want to. If so, Linda Saul-Sena attends many of our Channelside neighborhood meetings, so she'd probably be best.

Thanks for writing and hope all is well!

Thanks, I wrote and let them know I find them an important part of the neighborhood. They are great for the environment too, you don't want headlines out there saying Tampa is giving electric vehicles the boot!

I sent a message.

This is crazy!

Plug pulled on free shuttle service by downtown Tampa's electric carts
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Thursday, August 13, 2009

TAMPA — County transportation officials on Wednesday slammed the brakes on electric cart operators providing shuttle services downtown.

The Public Transportation Commission ruled that the companies run vehicles for hire, which means they need permits to stay in business.

The company owners have argued that they aren't subject to regulation by the commission because they don't charge fares. Their drivers accept only tips and the companies make money by selling ads on the carts.

The board made the decision after hearing from an attorney for Yellow Cab.

"After a year and half of operating a profitable business, I have to close my doors because of the fact that more than anything the taxi cab industry wanted us out of there," said Todd Persico, owner of Hop Tampa, which provided trips around Harbour Island, downtown and the Channel District. "They were seeing us as competition."

Persico didn't attend Wednesday's meeting, saying he didn't want to try to fight the cab company's attorney.

"There wasn't anything I could say. The board had to make a decision," he said.

He said he is likely to move his business to downtown St. Petersburg.

Commission members Kevin White, Joseph Caetano, Rose Ferlita and Dan Raulerson supported the ruling that subjects the companies to regulation by the commission.

Ferlita said her decision was made in part out of fairness to the cab companies.

"Given the fact that they transport passengers, I thought they should have to go through permitting just like we ask the cab people," she said.

But she also cited safety reasons, saying she worries someone will get hurt in the small, open-air vehicles.

"They do transport people and right now nobody's regulating them," she said. "It has to be under somebody's purview."

Commissioners Mark Knapp and John Dingfelder voted against the ruling.

"Now it means they have to have permits as a taxi cab. And guess what? There are no permits available," Dingfelder said. "There's only a limited number of permits available, and they're always taken."

Typically, the commission issues fewer than a dozen permits for new cabs each year, and competition for them is stiff.

Four companies have been operating the electric carts downtown, with a total of fewer than 20 vehicles.

Senior assistant county attorney Orlando Perez, who represents the commission, said a workshop will be scheduled to discuss how the cabs and carts can coexist.

Options include creating a special permitting system for the electric vehicles and limiting them to certain geographic areas.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/plug-pulled-on-free-shuttle-service-by-downtown-tampas-electric-carts/1027143

I think the majority of residents in the area were fine with the electric carts. And with a grocery store in Channelside, residents from Harbour Island would had been grateful to take one of these carts from their residence to the grocery store.

I just find it a slap in the face to any entrepreneur that lives in Tampa. Basically what they are saying is if your company is competition to a larger company, you don't deserve to exist. The bullshit that they are dangerous is probably the 5% compare to the 95% reason due to friendliness towards cab companies. Yeah, you have cars all around them, but so do the cabs. And the electric carts I do believe go no faster than 25 mph. From what I have seen, the employess who operate these carts put 100% towards the safety of their customers.

Seriously, I don't even take this transportation option more than once a month, but this is just plain stupid. Rose Ferlita is concerned about "our safety" and thinks it should be under her watch? This is just outrageous, and I have no doubt -- with this ruling -- the new "cab" companies will move out of the downtown Tampa area and just go to St. Pete.

Can't wait to hear how they're going to rule on how they can "co-exist". Have y'all tried to call for a cab downtown for a "short" run (meaning going from Channelside to Harbour Island, for example)?

Good for Dingfelder, very bad for Ferlita -- I'll remember this, and hope others will as well. I'm pissed.

Wow that has got to be the most stupid thing Tampa could do for downtown. They have just killed the most efficient transit system in downtown. In addition they just bent over for big business which people are getting sick of. On the bright side come on over to St. Pete this company will thrive there, I'm willing to bet on it! Tampa really kicked themselves in the ass over this one.

Oh yes, they sure did. Another example of idiotic government.

I was so mad when I heard about this. Stupid stupid stupid.

Seriously, I don't even take this transportation option more than once a month, but this is just plain stupid. Rose Ferlita is concerned about "our safety" and thinks it should be under her watch? This is just outrageous, and I have no doubt -- with this ruling -- the new "cab" companies will move out of the downtown Tampa area and just go to St. Pete.

Can't wait to hear how they're going to rule on how they can "co-exist". Have y'all tried to call for a cab downtown for a "short" run (meaning outside of the downtown area)?

Good for Dingfelder, very bad for Ferlita -- I'll remember this, and hope others will as well. I'm pissed.

I certainly won't forget. Ferlita won't get a vote from me no matter what office she runs for. This is idiotic at best. I thought competition was a good thing. This is a kick in the teeth to a small business owner.:bash:

Free shuttles still running in Tampa, but with new look and different owner
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Sunday, August 23, 2009


TAMPA — The electric vehicles that for 18 months gave free rides around downtown Tampa are gone, but a new service has popped up in their place.

The owner?

Lou Minardi, whose attorney this month persuaded the Hills*borough County Public Transportation Commission board to pull the plug on his competitors.

Minardi, owner of the Red Top and Yellow Cab companies, launched his business about two months ago, after receiving permission from the transportation commission to convert two hybrid cars to what he calls "Green Fleet" vehicles.

"It's a good concept," Minardi said of the idea he borrowed from his former competition.

For now, at least, Minardi enjoys a monopoly on the free shuttle market serving downtown, Ybor City, the Channel District and South Howard Avenue.

On Aug. 12, the transportation commission board shut down the electric cart companies.

For months, taxi drivers and cab company owners had been complaining to the board that the carts were cutting into their business. They pleaded with board members to regulate the services of four companies with 14 vehicles on the road.

The electric cart owners argued that they couldn't be regulated by the commission because they didn't charge fares. Their drivers accepted only tips, and the companies made money by selling ads on the carts.

Orlando Perez, an assistant county attorney who advises the transportation commission, confirmed to the board in March that the advertising did not constitute compensation, according to meeting minutes.

Enter Seth Mills, an attorney for Minardi.

In July and August, he spoke at length at commission meetings, ultimately persuading board members to side with the cab companies.

Commissioners ruled that advertisements are indeed compensation, which put the electric vehicles under their jurisdiction.

Transportation commission members Kevin White, Joseph Caetano, Rose Ferlita and Dan Raulerson supported the ruling.

Commissioners Mark Knapp and John Dingfelder voted against it.

The decision means the electric carts need taxi permits to operate, though they're hard to come by. The electric vehicles also need waivers to qualify for the permits because they don't have features, such as air conditioning, that are required.

"We're getting pushed out so the industry that's already there can do it," said Tim Ireland, owner of Green Go, which had been operating a shuttle service. "It seems there's collusion between the two, between the cab companies and the PTC. I say that because of what's going on. They don't listen to their own attorney. They listened to the attorney for the taxi cabs."

Minardi said he had no intention of eliminating competition. He merely wanted the commission to clarify the meaning of "compensation." The shuttering of Green Go and three other businesses — Hop Tampa, Joyride and Mulligans — was just a consequence of the ruling, he said.

"I thought they were a great little service," he said.

So great, in fact, that the day after the commission's ruling, Minardi dropped off fliers promoting his free Green Fleet hybrid cars at Cafe DuFrain. The Harbour Island restaurant had been advertising with Hop Tampa.

Andrew Bonnemort, owner of Cafe DuFrain, said he doesn't plan to refer his customers to Minardi's Green Fleet. He remains committed to the small electric cart companies, he said.

"They're the pioneers that came in here. They made it work," Bonnemort said. "I want to see how this all pans out."

A workshop is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday at County Center so taxi companies, owners of the electric vehicles and the transportation commission staff can discuss how the carts and cabs can coexist.

"We're trying to resolve the problem without putting anybody out of business," said Mario Tamargo, interim chief inspector for the commission. "That's what this workshop is about."

Options likely to be discussed include creating a special permitting system for the electric vehicles and limiting them to certain geographic areas.

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.



[Last modified: Aug 23, 2009 01:26 AM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/free-shuttles-still-running-in-tampa-but-with-new-look-and-different-owner/1030038

So the cab companies shut the free shuttles down, then opened their own electric vehicle shuttles the day after they left?

If I see Minardi on the street, I'm going to punch him in the face.

Safe to say I won't be using his service. Or at least won't be using it twice (maybe once with a tip about how they shouldn't have kicked out the competitors).

I will not use his service either. That move was completely unfair, and for the city to agree with him was out right foolish.

So the cab companies shut the free shuttles down, then opened their own electric vehicle shuttles the day after they left?

If I see Minardi on the street, I'm going to punch him in the face.

I'm with ya, then lets rob him.

I'm confused. The St. Pete Times said that the meeting for these fools were Tuesday. Then I read from them again that the meeting was moved to today at 5 pm. So while checking where they were meeting, I went to check if I had the time right. But I couldn't find the meeting on the calender or in the agenda list. I drove by the County Center and couldn't really tell if there was anything going on there. I did see a electric cart in front of the building called "Joy Ride", but I didn't know if that was another service or one of the carts that they brought to display.

I hope the original electric carts move to downtown and become successful there and point and laugh at these fools.

They'd better not be shot down in Pinellas either, I'd really be furious if the cabbies there did the exact same thing....this is out right ridiculous. This may not be New York, where you have thousands of cabbies running around, but everyone should be treated fairly...

Looks like they are on their way back. Must have heard all the noise.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/tampas-electric-vehicle-shuttles-could-hit-the-road-again-soon/1031704

Tampa's electric-vehicle shuttles could hit the road again soon

By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, August 28, 2009

TAMPA — County transportation officials are working to find a way to put electric vehicles that offer an alternative to traditional taxis back on the road.

A plan presented Thursday by Cesar Padilla, executive director of the Public Transportation Commission, outlined proposed new rules covering safety matters such as driver background checks and insurance.

The new regulations would also limit the carts to downtown, Hyde Park, the Channel District and Ybor City, and allow drivers to charge up to $3 per person for the ride. The carts would also be exempt from caps limiting the number of permits issued to taxis.

The Public Transportation Commission board will consider the rules on Sept. 9.

Board member Rose Ferlita said she would like to schedule a special meeting before then so the electric cart companies could be back in business sooner.

"Nobody is trying to push the electric cart companies out of the city," Ferlita said. "We are here to be sure every business, small or large, continues."

The electric cart companies, operating with such names as JoyRide and Hop Tampa, have been shuttered since Aug. 12.

That's when the Public Transportation Commission, under pressure from cab companies that were losing business to the carts, voted to begin regulating the services.

Under current rules, that means the carts need permits and have to meet certain vehicle standards to operate.

Ferlita said she was stunned by the criticism she received from people who accused her of trying to pull the plug on the electric cart companies.

She said her vote to regulate them was solely a matter of safety.

"My first responsibility is to the public, and that's along the lines of public safety," she said.

Cab drivers who spoke at the workshop said they support the proposed rules for regulating the carts.

"We can coexist under the regulatory environment," said Brook Negusei, owner of Cab Plus.

Attorney Michael Brannigan, though, questioned the ability of the commission to regulate the electric vehicles at all, saying they're not mentioned in the state statute that outlines its responsibilities.

"The vote that was taken last time was in direct violation of your own procedures," he said. "You took a vote on something that wasn't even publicly noticed. We're here today in a workshop and it's kind of a foregone conclusion that PTC has the authority and that these are substantially the rules that are going to be implemented. . . . Where is the authority coming from?"

Orlando Perez, a senior assistant county attorney who advises the commission, told Brannigan there was no point in discussing the previous vote.

"This forum provides an opportunity to look forward and try to develop a relationship where the industries potentially can coexist," Perez said. "I don't feel that it's really productive for us to rehash and reconsider what the commission did."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.

Hillsborough transportation officials to hold emergency meeting on electric cart companies
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Tuesday, September 1, 2009

TAMPA — Hillsborough transportation officials will hold an emergency meeting today to determine the fate of electric cart companies whose cheap rides around downtown made them popular with riders, businesses and boosters.

The cart companies have been out of business since Aug. 12, when the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission voted to begin regulating them after a cab company attorney convinced them they had sufficient authority.

But do they?

Some say "No."

"The public transportation commission was created by the Legislature and the Legislature gave it limited power to do only certain things," says John Byrne, an attorney hired by the company Green Go, which operated four carts — called neighborhood electric vehicles — between Hyde Park, Harbour Island, downtown and Ybor City and to Tampa Stadium.

Because of its status in state law — which makes it unique in Florida — only state lawmakers can give the commission permission to regulate a new type of vehicle, Byrne argues.

"The PTC can't make up its own authority," he says.

County and state attorneys have made similar arguments.

Last month, Orlando Perez, the senior assistant county attorney that advises the PTC board, warned them against adopting rules not clearly outlined in state law.

"The safer course would be to seek legislative change to the special act," Perez said, according to meeting transcripts.

In March, the agency that monitors the PTC's compliance with state administrative procedures warned the board that it "does not have the authority to enlarge" or "modify" powers named in state law.

And in a 2007 opinion, Attorney General Bill McCollum said if there is any question about the extent of the PTC's power, PTC officials should assume that power doesn't exist.

Historically, it has been state lawmakers that added different types of vehicles to the PTC regulatory list.

In 1982 they added vans, handicabs and limousines. In 1987 and 1988 it was ambulances and government wreckers. Sightseeing vehicles and buses are explicitly exempt.

But after months of hearing from cab company owners who argued that the electric carts weren't safe and were cutting into their business, the PTC voted Aug. 12 in favor of what cab company attorney Seth Mills presented as "Option A."

Under that option, Mills argued, the PTC could regulate the carts by calling them vehicles-for-hire because they receive compensation through tips and advertisements. That move would require the carts to get permits to operate, which they don't have.

Among those who rejected Mills' argument was City Council member John Dingfelder.

He said Perez, the board's attorney, had twice examined the issue and told them they couldn't regulate the carts.

"I was just befuddled as to why they would be listening to an outside attorney lobbying on behalf of the cab industry instead of listening to our own attorneys on the same exact subject," Dingfelder said.

Dingfelder declined to speculate on why other board members voted as they did. But service on the PTC is a cash cow for candidates.

The most recent campaign finance reports show people from cab companies and other regulated transportation businesses have donated at least $2,000 to Dingfelder's 2010 County Commission run; $6,000 to Kevin White's 2010 commission race; $3,500 to Ken Hagan's 2010 commission race; and $1,260 to Joseph Caetano's 2011 City Council run.

Last week, the PTC staff held a workshop to hammer out specific emergency rules for regulating the electric carts. Board members Rose Ferlita and Caetano participated, with Ferlita dominating much of the conversation.

Ferlita said she wanted to get the carts back on the streets as soon as possible. She noted that the tourist industry, and the Tampa Downtown Partnership, an economic development agency, like the carts. Her biggest concern, she said, is safety.

She pushed for today's special meeting so the board could vote on emergency rules permitted by state law to address the "health, safety and welfare of the traveling public" and put the carts back in operation.

At the workshop, Ferlita objected to a fee increase approved by the board that would bump up the cost of starting a new transportation business in Hillsborough County from $500 to $5,000.

"That rate is too high. It's ridiculous," said Ferlita, who said it sends a message that newcomers aren't welcome. She wants fellow board members today to rescind that decision.

The board approved the fee in October 2008 with no discussion after the PTC's interim executive director, Cesar Padilla, told them it was necessary to cover agency expenses.

The fee was set at a meeting with owners of limousine and taxi companies.

"Everybody that had a limousine was coming in and applying and getting a permit. And the limo companies were trying to stop it," said Mario Tamargo, the PTC's interim chief inspector and spokesman.

When asked why limo owners wanted to stop the businesses, Tamargo said: "They were concerned with people coming that weren't really serious about the business."

Todd Persico, owner of an electric shuttle service called Hop Tampa, said he plans to expand his business to St. Petersburg if he can't keep operating in Hillsborough.

He received approval from the St. Petersburg City Council this year to start shuttling passengers there, and he received a permit for his company in March.

Law enforcement officials in St. Petersburg will make sure his company follows city rules, such as having permits, insurance, the proper drivers licenses, and staying only roads with a posted speed of less than 35 m.p.h., which is required by state law.

Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.



facts

What, who is PTC?

Created by state law to regulate taxis, limousines, ambulances, government wreckers and other public vehicles, the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission is the only agency of its kind in Florida.

Its seven-member board, made up of elected officials, will meet at 2 p.m. today to consider emergency rules for regulating electric carts offering passengers rides around Tampa.

The board members are Hillsborough County Commissioners Kevin White, Rose Ferlita and Ken Hagan.

Tampa City Council members John Dingfelder and Joseph Caetano.

Temple Terrace City Council member Mark Knapp

Plant City Commissioner Dan Raulerson


[Last modified: Sep 01, 2009 08:30 AM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/hillsborough-transportation-officials-to-hold-emergency-meeting-on/1032633

Tampa's popular, free electric carts are coming back
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 01, 2009 04:34 PM

TAMPA — The popular electric carts that give free rides to some Tampa destinations can now get back on the road.

The Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to rescind an earlier decision to regulate the vehicles. Members also voted to ask the Florida Attorney General for an opinion on whether it can regulate the carts.

The PTC voted Aug. 12 to begin regulating the electric vehicles after a cab company attorney argued that the agency had the authority to do so. That move essentially put the vehicles out of commission. Cab company owners had argued for months that the so-called neighborhood electric vehicles weren't safe and were cutting into their business.

The carts have operated in the downtown, Hyde Park, Channel District and Ybor City areas.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampas-popular-free-electric-carts-are-coming-back/1032901

I'm so excited that they are allowed to come back. I am all for the cab company's own electric cart service, but I know I'll continue to ride HOP because I won't do business with Yellow Cab and the whiners. I was never contacted back from my email to the HCPTC, but I'm just glad I was one of the few that actually emailed them of the opposition to their decision.

Yay!

Of course the next barrier for HOP in this respect is actually going to be HART believe it or not. As they are planning a "better" downtown circulator system. Not these junk rubber trolleys....

Yay!

Of course the next barrier for HOP in this respect is actually going to be HART believe it or not. As they are planning a "better" downtown circulator system. Not these junk rubber trolleys....
But the upside is that HOP can bring you directly to your location. And you also have to remember that HOP doesn't have a fare while HART does. So both sides have their positives and negatives.

True

But my point is that there will be even more competition. The Cabbies, HART, and the Electric Carts....

Battle over downtown Tampa's free shuttles goes on :bash:
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
Posted: May 26, 2010 06:38 PM

TAMPA — The controversy surrounding the free electric cart shuttles downtown continues.

A judge ruled last week that because cart operators make money from tips and advertisements, the vehicles can be regulated by the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission.

But the owner of one electric cart service said the case is just another attempt by the cab companies to force him out of business.

"My main concern is we do not want to be in the same grouping as taxicabs because that's not what we are," said Tim Ireland, owner of the Green Go free electric vehicle shuttle service. "If you don't have a meter, if you're not charging people, you're not a taxicab."

The latest ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by a cab company. The PTC last year opted not to regulate the electric carts, despite pressure from cab companies to take on that responsibility.

Cab operators said the electric vehicles are unsafe and cut into their business. It's unfair, they said, that cab companies need insurance and hard-to-get permits for each vehicle, while the electric vehicle operators do not.

The controversy prompted Red Top Cab to launch its own courtesy cab service, operated solely on tips and advertisements. And then the company took the PTC to court to determine whether their vehicles should be regulated because they are "for hire".

Lou Minardi, owner of Red Top, believes the court ruling means his courtesy cabs should be regulated, along with the other electric vehicles.

"Now everybody's on an equal playing field," Minardi said. "That's the way it should have been from the beginning."

The state legislation that created the PTC, however, doesn't specify that the board controls vehicles for hire. It says only that it controls "public vehicles" – defined as taxicabs, limousines, wreckers, vans, and ambulances.

The Green Go vehicles don't fit the legal definition of taxicabs, because they don't have meters. The closest definition they fit is limousines, but the PTC in the past has denied limo permits for vehicles that weren't considered sufficiently luxurious.

If the Green Go vehicles are regulated the same as taxis or limousines, Ireland would have to pay $500 to the PTC to launch his business and get permits for each of his four vehicles. The PTC issues only a handful of limo and taxi permits each year, and the competition for them is fierce.

Ireland doesn't mind paying the fee and applying for permits.

"Since day one, over two years ago, we've been trying to get them to give us permits. But they've only wanted to do it the same as the taxis, which is so unfair because it's not the same business," he said.

The highly publicized debate about the issue last year has already forced some shuttle operators out of business, and Ireland said his company lost customers because people thought they were no longer operating.

"We're surviving by delivering meals and doing tours," Ireland said.

He believes that if the ruling means the PTC can regulate his shuttles, it should also apply to hotel shuttles.

The PTC, which is made up of seven elected officials from Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and Hillsborough County, is scheduled to discuss the matter at its meeting June 9.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/battle-over-downtown-tampas-free-shuttles-goes-on/1097930

Public Transportation Commission shuts down electric vehicles in Tampa for now
By Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Thursday, June 10, 2010


TAMPA — Hillsborough transportation officials on Wednesday put an end to downtown's free electric vehicle shuttle services, at least for now.

The Public Transportation Commission, made up of City Council members and county commissioners, determined that the vehicles need permits and insurance that covers passengers to operate.

The board made the decision after being briefed on a court ruling that the commission has jurisdiction over all vehicles for hire. The electric shuttle operators have argued they are not subject to regulation by the commission because they don't charge fares. They earn their money through tips and advertisements. But a judge overruled that notion, saying that tips and advertisements constitute compensation and thus the vehicles are "for hire."

"It's obviously under our watch," said commission member Rose Ferlita after the briefing. "We want them to be insured. We want them to be safe. We want them to be accountable."

Owners of the companies Green Go and Mulligan Shuttle say they have insurance, but they have no permits, which they have to apply for with the commission. That typically takes months.

Mike Mulligan, owner of Mulligan Shuttle, said he will consult with his attorney to see how he should proceed.

Green Go is still in business, said owner Chris Ireland.

"They're saying we can't transport passengers," he said. "But we're going to continue doing our deliveries and sightseeing tours, which they can't regulate. We have an occupational license for that."

The commission last year opted not to regulate the electric carts, despite pressure from cab companies to take on that responsibility.

Cab operators said the electric vehicles are unsafe and cut into their business. It's unfair, they said, that cab companies need insurance and hard-to-get permits for each vehicle, while the electric vehicle operators do not.

The controversy prompted Red Top Cab to launch its own courtesy cab service, called Green Fleet, operated solely on tips and advertisements. Then the company asked a court to decide whether the commission should regulate the vehicles.

The judge's ruling means the Green Fleet, which uses the cab company's existing permits, can still carry passengers.

Mulligan Shuttle and Green Go cannot.

"We need to look at this and decide how they fit into the scope of our purview and come up with something that is fair to them but not unfair to the taxicabs and the limo drivers," Ferlita said.

It's unclear, though, under which rules the carts should receive permits. The state legislation that created the commission says the board regulates "public vehicles," specifically defined as taxicabs, limousines, wreckers, vans and ambulances.

Commission chairman Kevin White suggested coming up with a separate classification for the electric vehicles.

The shuttle owners say the controversy is an attempt by cab companies to stifle competition.

"You're protecting the special interests here. And the special interest is the taxicab industry," Ireland told commissioners Wednesday.

But commission members say their concern is safety.

"God forbid there is an accident," Ferlita said. "The first finger pointing is going to come back to the PTC."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.


[Last modified: Jun 09, 2010 11:58 PM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/public-transportation-commission-shuts-down-electric-vehicles-in-tampa-for/1101137