It is ironic that 'Cycle Rickshaw' is being phased out from Indian metros, while they are being brought into Europe and North America.

I would not be surprised that David Miller, on advice on Howard Moscoe, would ban plying of motorized taxis (i.e. auto taxis) in downtown TO.

I was wondering if being a rickshaw puller would be the new vocation for the new immigrants?

Below is a news items and a job posting [though one can read the text within the post, but the links would enable you to view pictures].


From: http://www.680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080421_141139_11776

Pedal-powered cabs to hit Toronto streets this spring
Monday, April 21, 2008 - 02:11 PM
By: Shauna Hunt

The eco cabs hit the streets on May 1st (Photo by: Shauna Hunt/680News)

The environmentally friendly taxis run up to 12 kilometres an hour

Toronto - Downtown Toronto is about to get a bit greener.

A fleet of 28 pedal-powered eco cabs will hit the downtown core starting May 1st - as part of a summer long pilot project.

The environmentally friendly taxis are faster than the average speed of downtown traffic, running up to 12 kilometres an hour.

You can flag down an eco cab for a free ride if your travelling no more than 12 blocks. It's also free of fuel.

The vehicle is being described as a rickshaw on steroids. The eco cab is very futuristic looking - it's about the size of a smart car - but open concept.

Spokesperson Will Kozma told 680News this is the wave in Europe and hopefully it will make a splash here in Toronto.

He said they are perfect for urban travel.

\"The average speed in downtown Toronto is between two and six kilometres an hour. The eco-cab should be burning up the side of the streets,\" he said.
- - - -

And, here's the ad for jobs:

From: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-driver-security-Eco-Cab-Driver-W0QQAdIdZ46353653
Eco Cab Driver
Ad ID: 46353653
Visits: 340
Location: Toronto
Date Listed: 16-Apr-08
EcoCab Drivers Wanted.
Work outside. Have fun. Make money. ( and save the world too. )
EcoCab is an environmentally friendly, pedal-powered taxi designed to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions while providing a unique form or urban transportation. This May, EcoCab will make its way on to Toronto streets and offer downtown commuters an environmentally responsible form of transportation that is not only free of emissions, but free of cost as well. Funded entirely by corporate advertisers, Torontonians will be able to enjoy a fast and free commute between the areas that they live, work and play while doing their part to help the environment along the way. In return, drivers acting on behalf of the participating advertisers will interact with riders while on route, offering them promotional information and in some cases product samples.

Drivers need to be in strong physical condition with an excellent sense of direction including specific knowledge of Toronto streets, venues and events. As a driver, you would be responsible for the safe and timely delivery of passengers within the downtown core while insuring that all procedures and promotional activities are being followed. Drivers should boast a charismatic personality with exceptional communication skills culminating in their ability to draw attention to their vehicle and the free shuttle service they provide. Drivers must posses a dependable and professional working attitude and be able to effectively function within a team environment. All candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age and have a valid Ontario driver’s licence in order to apply.

Training dates: April 28th & 29th, 2008
Pay rate: Based on experience & FT or PT
Start date: May 1st – Sept 30th, 08
Earnings: Estimated daily earnings $150 - $200
If interested, please email your resume to GO Mobile Media along with a recent photograph of yourself to Be sure to include any relevant cycling or promotional marketing experience as well. Please note; you MUST be available for both training dates in late April as well as the May 1st start date in order to apply.