On yer Baxi, Wellington

Overseas, they're part of the urban landscape. Now pedicabs are having a crack at the flat bits of Wellington

KENT BLECHYNDEN/The Dominion Post

GREEN MACHINE: Company co-owner Tom Vieregg (left) first noticed Baxis while working as a cycle courier during his OE. he drive his passenger Zac Sanderson around Wellington's streets.

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A new form of green transport is zipping around downtown Wellington streets.

Baxis, pedal-powered "pedicabs", are operating during summer from the railway station to the Basin Reserve and all streets in between.

The low-slung, eco-friendly machines, resembling a modern version of a New Delhi rickshaw, were introduced last week.

Three Baxis are out and about, and it is hoped that number will double by the end of the year.

Baxis are made in Tauranga and cost $3500 each.

Company co-owner Tom Vieregg first noticed Baxis while working as a cycle courier during his OE. "They are part of the urban landscape in places as diverse as Darwin in Australia, Salzburg in Austria, and Denmark's capital, Copenhagen."

Now working as a Wellington postie, Mr Vieregg hopes his Baxis will deliver green business success.

Unlike more conventional forms of public transport, there is no set tariff for Baxis.

Passengers can negotiate their fare with their Baxi "pilot", or decide at journey's end what the trip was worth.

Mr Vieregg said a typical central city fare should cost between $5 and $10.

As part of the introduction Wellington's first Baxi ride - a 30-minute whizz around the city - was auctioned on Trade Me for $40, with the cash going to the Wellington City Mission.

Baxis can be hailed on the street or bookings made by cellphone.

They can take two people and bags.

Baxis are governed by cycle laws, meaning the driver must wear a helmet, though passengers don't have to.

Baxis' natural habitat is on the flat, so Wellington's more challenging hills are off limits, which Mr Vieregg hopes will encourage prospective "pilots". "Applicants can rest assured the area of operations is confined to the flatter parts of the CBD. No puffing and straining up The Terrace, or to the Mount Victoria lookout!"

"I think Wellington's ready for pedicabs. People are concerned enough about the environment to do something about it, and the place has relaxed enough to let you have a bit of fun while you're getting about. And best of all, a Baxi ride will be 100 per cent free of fossil fuels."

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Oli Brooke-White   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Great stuff, Thomas! Don't let haters like Frank worry you - you're doing a very cool thing and I'm quite sure that Wellington will firmly embrace the Baxi concept. Good luck for the future!

tom   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

after one week of operating in Wellington you are the first person to react negatively to our great service. Everybody has said that this is a great idea and we have given many people safe/secure rides to where they want to go. All our pilots are fully trained in the safe use of our vehicles and are made to sign a comprehensive code of conduct. Our pilots are instructed to not exceed 20kmh as this is regarded as a cruise through the streets and not a thrill ride. We have spent a lot of time adding safety features to our vehicles including rear disc brakes, indicators, lights, bells and under seat storage for bags/scarves. From our research we know that the New York pedicab fleet (500 vehicles) has a very god safety record. We have worked hard to ensure the safety of the public and our passengers at all times and will continue to do so . Please feel free to go for a ride and find out for yourself what a great addition this is to Wellingtons transport options.

tom   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

All our pilots will be fully trained in the safe use of our vehicles before they are allowed on the road. This includes riding skills, road rule knowledge and a lowdown on the rules. We have added extra strong brakes, wheels, rear view mirrors, lights, bells and indicators and instruct our pilots to not exceed 20kmh as it is about experiencing a cruise through the streets and not a race. From what we gather this type of service has a very good safety record overseas. After one week of riding we have had nothing but positive responses from the public who all say its a great idea. Safety is very important to us and we have taken the steps necessary to ensure public safety at all times and will continue to do so.

Frank   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

An accident (or rather, many accidents) waiting to happen. Stupid, stupid idea.

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