You’ll soon be able to hop into a very interesting taxi in Saugeen Shores.
Robert Byrne is setting up a new company called Bruce Electric Taxi Co. Ltd.
He will operate 4 power assisted bicycles to provide taxi service in Port Elgin initially, and may expand to Southampton in the future.
Byrne says 2 will be old fashioned bicycle rickshaws that have an added electric motor, while the other 2 are a more modern looking model with a teardrop shell.
Byrne is an experienced taxi driver in the municipality and says there is a need for an environmentally sound and quiet means of taxi service.
He adds they are very popular in Asia and Europe and are becoming a viable transportation system worldwide.
Byrne says the vehicles are completely safe and meet MTO regulations including turning indicators, proper braking systems, and durable tires.
They can carry 2 passengers and have a load capacity of 200 kilograms (about 450 pounds).
The bikes are 90 per cent powered by pedal power and can travel approximately 25 km an hour and Byrne says he already has some interested drivers lined up.
Byrne has travelled to China to order the taxis but says the shipment has been delayed.
He says the best case scenario will be to have them on the road by July 16th, but he adds they will definitely be in operation by the August 1st long weekend.
