PEDAL POWER

Two young entrepreneurs share a vision for transforming our traffic filled streets with the launch of an environmentally friendly taxi service

The idea to launch Eco Cabs was spawned back in November 2006 when friends Andrew Casey and Olaf O’Moore had witnessed the pedal powered taxis in operation while travelling separately abroad. On their return the duo discovered that they shared an admiration of the innovative cabs and decided to bring the idea to Ireland.

Starting out they researched the taxis in operation in Barcelona and closer to home, in Cardiff. However, these cities seemed to be pushing the tourism and advertising element of the service whereas Casey and O’Moore decided to promote the environmentally friendly potential of the cabs. With emissions and global warming being the hot topic of the moment the partners knew that the time was right to launch Eco Cabs Ireland and did so in April this year. “Our mission is to ease traffic congestion and discourage short taxi rides and we made the service fit Dublin, facilitating locals and business people alike,” says Casey.

FIRM BELIEF

The dynamic duo visited a number of financial institutions looking for funding and advertising opportunities, eventually gaining the backing of AIB who signed up for sponsorship during their launch month and since then more advertising has rolled in. Green Party Minister, Eamon Ryan has been a big fan of Eco Cabs from the start and helped forge useful connections during the vital start up period. “You need to believe in what you’re trying to sell because if you don’t believe in it you’re never going to be able to convince anyone else,” comments Casey on ensuring the success of the cab service.

EXPANSION

Operating in the bike lanes of the city the 140kg cabs resemble a small car but are classified as bicycles under EU legislation. Eco Cabs have expanded from four to eight taxis, have been carrying up to 1500 passengers a week and are available from 11am to 7pm daily. Presently 18 staff work for Eco Cabs and Casey describes his staff as keen cycling enthusiasts as many are active tri-athletes and bicycle couriers. Eco Cabs collect passengers at one of their five designated city centre pick up points. Casey believes that the success of the company is down to an excellent working partnership, “I learnt so much in the first six months, and one very important thing is the relationship between business partners and in that regard myself and Olaf compliment each other perfectly,” he concludes.

Published in the October 2007 Issue of Irish Entrepreneur