Holland, Michigan is certainly not the bustling metropolis of New York City, where you have pedestrians hailing taxis 24/7. But that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities for an entrepreneur wanting to start a taxi service. You just have to think with your feet.
PetalCab is downtown Holland's newest transit service targeting tours and travel within Holland. The PetalCab is a tricycle purpose-built for transporting up to two adults. It can be hired for a tour of Holland or as transportation to some of Holland's destinations. The service was founded and is being operated by Matt Wright, a Hope College junior.
Wright, a student in
Hope's CFL program, says he was inspired by his biking experiences and felt the view from a bike makes any journey more interesting. His micro-enterprise will also provide employment for other students in Holland. "I'm planning on renting the bike out to 3-5 other guys, with each of them taking between two and four shifts a week, so I can hopefully have the bike out as much as possible," he says.
In the initial stages, Wright says his plan is to keep one bike in operation but he'll consider expanding after he gets a feel for the market. "It's just the one bike for now, while I prove the concept and see how it works out," he says. "I'll then figure out the best way to expand, whether that be more bikes in Holland or possibly expanding with a trailer and another bike or two so I can go to big events in other cities. I'll see how the month of May goes, and then evaluate the demand and see what I want to do."
The PetalCab will operate regularly on weekends from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in fair weather in downtown Holland. Passengers can schedule their ride by calling 616.613.6634 or using the form at www.petalcab.com. Wright says other PetalCab operators will also be available during most hours of the day for scenic tours or taxi services in downtown Holland, with destinations including the downtown Holland area, Kollen Park, Washington Square, Windmill Island and any area in between.
Wright gives enormous credit to the team at Hope College: "I've been working with the CFL since October on refining the idea and connecting with local business owners. Dr. Vanderveen, Seth Getz, and the rest of the students in the CFL have been instrumental in some of the major decisions that I've had to make, and I appreciate their help immensely!"
To learn about PetalCab you can view their
site here.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor.
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