Dundee's first ever rickshaw taxi will be hitting the city's streets in just over two weeks' time.
Cycling entrepreneur Adam Giarek has been granted an official licence from the city council and is gearing up to pedal his first customers around Dundee in his futuristic looking rickshaw next month.
Despite objections from some taxi unions, Adam got the go-ahead from councillors two weeks ago.
He is currently finalising preparations and hopes to have a second driver when his alternative taxi service, Scottish Eco-Taxis, launches on Friday, July 4.
We met up with the 23-year-old, from Poland, for a chat about the details and take a closer look at his rickshaw.
Inspired by the many rickshaw taxis in London, Adam has been campaigning since March this year to be first driver (or is that rider?) in Dundee.
And, despite a few minor setbacks, he is very close to seeing his vision realised after councillors approved the plans earlier this month.
"The meeting itself was really fantastic," said Adam.
"There weren't any good arguments, I got my licence and it only took about an hour.
"Everything is now in agreement and my own licence will be active from Friday, July 4, but hopefully on that date I will actually have two rickshaws on the streets of Dundee: myself and another driver.
"At the moment, we are waiting on a licence for him but if everything is as it should be we will soon have two rickshaws in Dundee."
"I've got already an area in mind," continues Adam.
"I call it the 'green area' and it will move basically from the city, down by the river and up the Perth Road - mostly because there’s no hills there.
"In terms of customers, we want to try and cooperate with regular hotels and restaurants because I think the rickshaws will be a fun kind of way to get about town.
"So while they are sort of for tourists, they really don't have to be - I was at the Montrose Festival a couple of weeks ago people were really interested.
"Usually one person will come up to you, ask a few questions and they might think it’s a little funny but after that first person I was very busy all day - so I hope it’s the same in Dundee.
"I can't guarantee they will be popular but I hope so and I'm very excited."
With a big seating area in the back, the rickshaws can comfortably accommodate three people and offer a rather scenic view even from inside the cab (see pictures below).
Equipped with front suspension, a complex gear system, 12 LED lights and even an electronic buzzer, the rickshaws are a step towards a cleaner, more environmental transport service in Dundee.
But they weigh in at 85kg just by themselves, so Adam will certainly have to be in shape to keep his business moving in the right direction.
source: http://dundee.stv.tv/articles/279453-du ... ost=125841
