While riding in the three-wheeled tricycle with a carriage in the back, the Northampton native turned to his wife and told her the idea is perfect for an environmentally friendly and tourist community like Northampton. You got to see more of the town than just driving by in a car. Less than a year later, Marti has opened Northampton Pedal Cabs, the city’s first fleet of bicycle-powered cabs that shuttle people to and from various destinations throughout the downtown area. “This is what’s Northampton is all about.” “I think this will fit perfectly in Northampton,” said Marti, who lives in Chicopee. While he originally intended to buy a fleet of 12 pedicabs, Marti scaled those plans back after researching how much money it would take to buy the pedicabs and meet other start-up expenses. Instead he ordered a pair of pedicabs for around $10,000 from a Midwest company, leased space in the Industrial Park in the city to store the bikes and hired three operators to drive them.įor-hire pedicabs are popular in New York, San Diego, Chicago and many other cities but are just now making their debut in Northampton. ![]() The city paved the way for the idea three-plus years ago by adopting new pedicab regulations after another man sought to open a similar business here. Marti said his idea has drawn positive responses from city officials and other community members who like the concept. The drivers offer rides at a flat fee of $5 per person to tourists, bar-hoppers, restaurant-goers and anyone else looking for an alternative way to move throughout downtown and its outskirts, including Smith College and the fairgrounds. Customers can only hail the cabs out on city streets.Įach cab seats two adults or an adult with two children. The cabs weigh about 150 pounds and have safety equipment including brakes and brake lights, a seat belt, directional signals, running lights, headlights and a horn. The cabs also have a canopy that can be raised during inclement weather or on hot days. Pedal cabs have to obey traffic laws and drivers must be 18 or older and possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license. Other regulations including a background check. Northampton Pedal Cabs made its debut at Florence Night Out on May 1. Marti, 28, said business over the first few weekends has been good. This handy editor normally sells for $29, but today is the last day you can get Moviemator Video Editor for Mac or Win for just $9! That's a 68% discount.So far it’s been great.”įor now, the company is offering rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, but could expand its offerings as Marti hires more operators. Create beautiful animated text for any frame and add a title for any movie. ![]()
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