Move over taxi drivers, there’s a new mode of transportation in town.
It’s called a tuk tuk and it’ll get you where you need to go albeit at a human’s pace.
For the uninitiated a tuk tuk is usually a three-wheeled motorized vehicle that picks people up and drops them off just like a taxi.
This time around, the vehicle is more like a two-wheeled chariot that is pulled around by a bicycle.
The idea is the brainchild of Jasper resident Siobhan Coughlan who wanted to get in shape for the upcoming snowboard season while also earning a bit of extra money.
“I saw one in Dublin a few years ago and I thought it was a cool idea,” said Coughlan, who got her business license at the end of June.
“It’s just a cooler way to get around than a cab.”
She admits most of her clients so far have been people at the bar looking for a way home, but said she hopes to begin doing historical tours and delivering free groceries to seniors in the near future.
“I’ve been hanging out at the archives with Karen [Byers] a little bit and reading a lot so that’s kind of more what I’d like to do than drive drunk people around,” said Coughlan with a chuckle.
The cost of a ride is largely dependent on the final destination.
“I don’t mind going on a 10-minute bike ride for five bucks but from Sawridge to Cabin Creek I’m not going to go for five bucks,” said Coughlan, who also works as a server in town.
For an hour-long historical tour she said she intends to charge people $15 per person.
If the experience itself wasn’t enough, customers can also listen to music on their way home, however she has also implemented some basic house rules to ensure it’s a fun and enjoyable ride.
Some of the rules include staying seated and avoid making any crude jokes.
“People can be a bit rowdy especially because it’s something different,” said Coughlan. “Just be respectful.”
Since launching her company she admits it hasn’t been completely smooth sailing.
“The first night I took it out the frame actually bent so I had to reweld the frame,” said Coughlan.
To help her fix it she cold called Dean Caul, a local welder in town, who let her use his shop.
“He was super awesome,” said Coughlan. “I showed up the next day and he let me use his shop and taught me how to use his equipment.”
To date she has been going out on “party nights” which are usually Wednesday night and Sunday night, however she also intends to begin offering rides on Friday and Saturday in the near future.
“I don’t know if I’ll make a ton of money this summer but I’ll have fun doing it.”
To get a lift call Coughlan at 587-589-0780 or wave her down when you’re on the street. You can also follow her on Facebook by searching Tuk Tuk Tours or Instagram at jaspertuktuk.
Paul Clarke
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