REDLAND
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Europe's first fleet of motorised three-wheel rickshaws is to be launched in Brighton and Hove.
Tuk-tuks - a common sight in India, China and Thailand - are expected to revolutionise public transport in the city, providing an environmentally-friendly, low-cost alternative to taxis and a more convenient means of travel than buses.
The two-seater vehicles, which begin operating on Monday, will charge a flat rate of £2.50 for any adult, single journey on a route encompassing Brighton Marina, Hove and Brighton railway station.
They have been hailed by civic leaders as a possible solution to the city's chronic congestion problems and a money-spinning tourist attraction.
TucTuc Ltd, which has been awarded the first known operator's licence outside Asia, believes that if the tuk-tuks are popular, routes could be introduced all over Brighton and Hove and in cities across Britain, including London.
Executive director Dominic Ponniah, 26, said: "We thought Brighton would be the ideal testing ground. We wanted somewhere similar to the capital in terms of style and outlook.
"There is no other place like it in the South outside London.
"It's really busy and vibrant, with its share of visitors and young people who are quite affluent and fun.
"It was an obvious choice. I am sure tuk-tuks will become a major hit in Brighton and hopefully we can extend the service.
"We're convinced that it will provide a fun-factor to getting around the city which will appeal to locals and visitors alike."
The vehicles have been shipped over from India and modified to meet British safety criteria.
They will run on natural gas, which drastically-reduces harmful environmental emissions and fuel consumption.
Each tuk-tuk has a unique design, including the tongue-in-cheek Chavrolet and the fruity Strawberry.
The venture will create about 50 new full and part-time jobs. TucTucs Ltd will operate all year round from 8am to 2am.
For the adult fare of £2.50 - £1.50 for children - passengers can travel from the Marina to Hove, a journey that would cost twice that in a taxi.
Vehicles will pick up from desginated stops along the route, which runs from Brighton Marina, along the seafront to Hove and up through the city centre to Brighton station.
Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee, said: "This is a real coup for Brighton. Tuk-tuks will undoubtedly attract many tourists as well as complimenting our existing public transport. The price is realistic and they have great environmental credentials which I welcome."
Taxi drivers are less than enthusiastic about competition they believe will not have to operate under the same guidelines.
Tyrone Beane, who has driven a cab in Brighton and Hove for more than 30 years, said: "It's a sore point with everybody. It's not fair. All the money we pay to do the business we do and they come along without a knowledge test or anything."
Tuk-tuks - a common sight in India, China and Thailand - are expected to revolutionise public transport in the city, providing an environmentally-friendly, low-cost alternative to taxis and a more convenient means of travel than buses.
The two-seater vehicles, which begin operating on Monday, will charge a flat rate of £2.50 for any adult, single journey on a route encompassing Brighton Marina, Hove and Brighton railway station.
They have been hailed by civic leaders as a possible solution to the city's chronic congestion problems and a money-spinning tourist attraction.
TucTuc Ltd, which has been awarded the first known operator's licence outside Asia, believes that if the tuk-tuks are popular, routes could be introduced all over Brighton and Hove and in cities across Britain, including London.
Executive director Dominic Ponniah, 26, said: "We thought Brighton would be the ideal testing ground. We wanted somewhere similar to the capital in terms of style and outlook.
"There is no other place like it in the South outside London.
"It's really busy and vibrant, with its share of visitors and young people who are quite affluent and fun.
"It was an obvious choice. I am sure tuk-tuks will become a major hit in Brighton and hopefully we can extend the service.
"We're convinced that it will provide a fun-factor to getting around the city which will appeal to locals and visitors alike."
The vehicles have been shipped over from India and modified to meet British safety criteria.
They will run on natural gas, which drastically-reduces harmful environmental emissions and fuel consumption.
Each tuk-tuk has a unique design, including the tongue-in-cheek Chavrolet and the fruity Strawberry.
The venture will create about 50 new full and part-time jobs. TucTucs Ltd will operate all year round from 8am to 2am.
For the adult fare of £2.50 - £1.50 for children - passengers can travel from the Marina to Hove, a journey that would cost twice that in a taxi.
Vehicles will pick up from desginated stops along the route, which runs from Brighton Marina, along the seafront to Hove and up through the city centre to Brighton station.
Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee, said: "This is a real coup for Brighton. Tuk-tuks will undoubtedly attract many tourists as well as complimenting our existing public transport. The price is realistic and they have great environmental credentials which I welcome."
Taxi drivers are less than enthusiastic about competition they believe will not have to operate under the same guidelines.
Tyrone Beane, who has driven a cab in Brighton and Hove for more than 30 years, said: "It's a sore point with everybody. It's not fair. All the money we pay to do the business we do and they come along without a knowledge test or anything."
