Free HOP, Tips Only

I took a short ride an odd little black vehicle - a cross between a caterpillar and a golf cart. I hope to take a longer ride later - to sightsee Flamingo Park and Northwood and Palm Beach.
"This taxi turns heads wherever we go," said owner Chris Pruitt, who explained the FREE downtown electric taxi service HOP. This service is a good partner to downtown trolleys, which do not go door to door.

Clients must either go online to http://www.hopcities.com/ or call HOPCities'dispatch service at (561) 512-0650 for a ride at an arranged time.
The vehicles, which plug into wall outlets, travel 20 to 25 miles on one charge.

In a stalled economy, it's hard to believe a business offering a free service. But Michelle Drysdale and her partners, Jerry Wilson and Chris Pruitt, operate from an unconventional business model. Their five drivers, paid in tips only, pride themselves on knowledge of local attractions.The three partners kept their day jobs. After four months, the electric cabs are almost breaking even, supported by ads inside and out.
HOP Cities uses GEM electric cars, a Chrysler product. The cars, which plug into wall outlets to recharge, go 20 to 25 miles on one charge and deliver passengers door to door by appointment, anywhere in an area roughly bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Belvedere Road, Tamarind Avenue and 27th Street.
HOP consists of two vehicles, one for three passengers and one for five. It's governed by the same regulations as taxis. The five drivers have received background checks.