Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Free "tuk-tuk" taxis for Parisians

29 December 2011 06:08 am - 5     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

PARIS: Parisians have a new, very affordable way of getting around the French capital as of this week - free "tuk-tuk" taxis.

Entrepreneur Kheir Mazri has launched a new service using 24 tuk-tuks, the motorbike-powered carriages common in much of Asia, that will do the rounds of the city seven days a week, with 150 stations on fixed routes where people can hop aboard.

"We started two days ago. People couldn't believe their eyes at first," Mazri said. "We're testing it in Paris first and if it works we will expand nationally, and maybe internationally," he told Reuters.

Tuk-tuk taxi drivers wait for customers in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris on August 18, 2011.
He makes money by selling advertising space on the sides of the electric tuk-tuks, imported from China.

Price is not the only sales pitch for what Mazri proudly describes as his "low-cost" enterprise.

Traditionally, taxi drivers discourage passengers from eating or drinking in the vehicle. But Mazri plans to sell tea, pastries and popcorn on his fleet, which follow the routes taken by 14 Paris bus lines, at 50 euro cents a pop.

He has no plans to compete directly with conventional taxis by allowing passengers to request destinations.

One hiccup - rain - has led to a temporary suspension of the service until after the coming Christmas weekend, he said.

The tuk-tuks have been taken off the roads while roofing is added so that clients can enjoy the trip without getting soaked.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 5

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Fair N Square Thursday, 29 December 2011 07:08 AM

    too bad India being the pioneer in TUK TUK's couldnt penetrate the market initially.....

    John Fernandez Thursday, 29 December 2011 07:25 AM

    Tuk-tuks near Eiffel Tower! What a pity.

    happz Thursday, 29 December 2011 09:19 AM

    no wonder why rape cases are sky rocketing!!

    ampare son Thursday, 29 December 2011 01:16 PM

    this is electric three weeler. allso electric scooter available too. i wish we can see sri lanka too.

    asoka abeywardena Thursday, 29 December 2011 04:27 PM

    will it work in Paris highways...


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H