Since getting started in early 2007, Raleigh Rickshaw has grown to a fleet of almost 20 rickshaws powered by dozens of drivers from around the Triangle who serve downtown every day and night. Their expertise has grown so quickly that they have become a model source to fledgling rickshaw companies throughout the country. The Raleigh company spent several years researching rickshaw business practices and has designed a model that has proven viability and will help increase the depth and quality of service Greenway provides. “The key to success is saturation, high quality service,” states Donald Mertrud, founder of The Raleigh Rickshaw. Co. Excitingly, the partnership doesn’t just stop with rickshaws. The two companies are committed to helping the Triangle area become a multimodal, sustainable transport model for the rest of the country, fighting high gas prices and climate change simultaneously. For example, Greenway utilizes a fleet of biofuels-powered vehicles that serves major events from weddings to conferences, and both firms actively support improved local infrastructure for community-enriching transport options, from bike lanes and sidewalks to mass transit. Future projects include an internet based dispatch system to improve customer-driver communication for rickshaws as well as carpoolers.
“In this era of high fuel prices, we provide alternatives for the Triangle community that lower costs and help the environment,” said Greenway co-founder Dennis Markatos-Soriano.
Raleigh Rickshaw owner Donald Mertrud also lauded the new cooperation between companies. He added, “We are excited to bring our different skills together to achieve our long term mutual goals. Our model is working in Downtown Raleigh, and look forward to applying it to Greenways resources in Chapel Hill/ Carrboro. this partnership helps put more viable green transportation on the roads now.

For anyone looking for a ride or more info, they can go to: http://www.raleighrickshaw.com , or call (919)623-5555.

Sorry I don’t buy it.