Parisian transportation is Y2K compliant

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

From today's Electronic Telegraph:

Rickshaw makes a comeback in Paris, By Susannah Herbert in Paris

THE rickshaw is to return to Paris next week for the first time since the German occupation, thanks to two former Legionnaires and a team of 30 muscular students.

Inspired by their travels in Asia, brothers Patrick and Didier Leonhart have patented a version with a fibreglass cabin mounted on a sturdy 21-gear tricycle. Unlike the rickety inventions born of necessity and fuel shortages in the war, the new vehicles offer padded seats, reading matter and a sliding sunroof.

Patrick said: "They don't go very fast but that's an advantage. It means people get a chance to see Paris properly." The Leonharts have recruited both male and female students to drive them. Initially they are offering an hour-long set circuit of about three miles, costing #13 for two people or #9 for one.

Patrick said: "The big idea is to get lots of other towns in France to take franchises." At #2,400 each, it may take some time for a franchise holder to earn back his investment, but the brothers are convinced their wheeze has a great future - wherever there are students fit enough to pedal. "We might try London next. I've heard it's nice and flat."

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 07, 1999


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