Free Jafacabs just the ticket for city slickers

Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard pedals Nicky Watson and Santa down Queen St yesterday to launch the free Jafacabs. Picture / Paul Estcourt

There is a new way to travel in Auckland over summer. A free pedicab service was launched in the CBD yesterday - geared to equal the charms of "many of the world's leading cities".

Mayor Dick Hubbard, proving he is not totally opposed to racing on Auckland's busy streets, joined celebrities to bolt down Queen St to launch the Jafacabs (just another friendly Auckland cab).

Mr Hubbard, with Nicky Watson and Santa as passengers, came third in the race.

The mayor would have liked a bit more grunt.

"It could have done with a V8 tucked under the seat."

Mr Hubbard said the corporate-sponsored service, offering free rides around the central business district to Victoria Park and the university, was designed to add some vibrancy to the city and to match services available in many of the world's leading cities.

"It's also a way of showing we can laugh at the 'Jafa' concept," he said.

Heart of the City marketing manager Liz Smith said the three-person passenger cabs were popular in London and Sydney.

They were designed for safety and had lights, safety belts and canopies.

The 137kg cabs can take two or three passengers, but there is a maximum weight of 180kg.

The five cabs are mainly pedal-powered, although they come with a small battery-powered motor to help out on hills and for quicker acceleration at traffic lights.

The batteries are designed to last an average six-hour shift, and have a reserve back-up.

Jafacabs are available from midday today. They will run until Easter.

The service is seeking drivers but the role is not for everyone.

As well as enthusiasm and a knowledge of the city, applicants need to be able to pull 150kg for around six hours a day. For this, they will earn $15 an hour.

The Jafacab derby from Aotea Square to the Viaduct was won by TV3's team of Shaun Summerfield, Nathan Rarere and Jon Bridges, with NZ Idol's team of Dominic Bowden, Michael Murphy and Eddie Gaiger coming in third.

More FM's Kim and Corbett and Paul Ego were last over the line.

JAFACAB HIRE

How: Hail a jafacab from the footpath.

Where: Within Auckland's CBD between Victoria Park and the University, the waterfront and Mayoral Drive.

Advice: Don't jump around or cause any unnecessary or sudden movements which could affect the vehicle. Keep all your body parts inside the cab.

Did you know: The rickshaw was invented by the Rev Jonathan Scobie, an American Baptist minister living in Yokohama, Japan. Mr Scobie built the first model in 1869 to transport his invalid wife. Today, it remains a common mode of transport in the East.