The "moto-taxi" - another way to beat the traffic jams?In Paris, motorcycle transport is developing at an incredible rate, particularly among senior executives who very often have to get from the airports to the capital (and vice versa). An attractive solution for avoiding traffic jams and arriving at meetings on time... In Paris there are already ten or so "moto-taxi" companies, some of them noted for low fares (such as All By Bike, which charges 45 euros* to go from Paris to Orly, scarcely more than a taxicab!), others offering ultrafast and luxurious VIP hospitality (such as Moto-Jet). Indeed, showbiz personalities doing the rounds of TV shows and also certain executives from Itinéris, Aérospatial, Cegetel or even Michelin have opted for the moto-taxi! At rush hour, at 8am for example, it takes nearly 1 hour 30 min to get from the Champs Elysées to Orly airport, but only 30 minutes on board a moto-taxi going at just 45 kph (28 mph)... As Hervé Braunstein - founder of Motocab in 2005 - explains, "This enormous time saving can also be a substantial money saver for businessmen coming from the provinces or abroad, who previously had to arrive the day before and spend the night in Paris in order to make it to their morning meeting on time: thanks to the moto-taxi, they can save on one night's hotel accommodation!"  © Motocab After one year, with his customer base constantly growing, Hervé Braunstein recruited 6 experienced bikers (some of them ex-police force) with the ability to make the client feel as secure as possible. "Transporting the client in total safety is the absolute priority. This requires technical mastery, of course, but the human factor is also fundamental since the rider must inspire confidence." Paid 2,000 euros net per month, these bikers are professionals capable of riding 8 hours per day, come heatwave, rain or cold. The motorcycle, a superb Honda Goldwing 1800, is a veritable boat on two wheels. With its 6-cylinder engine it provides impressive acceleration when necessary, whilst ensuring smooth road holding. Yet the speed of the journey is not the only selling point. There is also the pleasure of riding on a collector's high-powered machine as well as customised comfort. In addition to a helmet equipped with disposable lining for hygiene purposes, you are given gloves, shoe protectors and a waterproof suit if it is raining. You can take 15 kg of luggage, not counting your laptop. The vehicle has built-in radio and GPS, and you can give your instructions to the rider via a built-in mike in your helmet. As for safety, every motorcycle taxi company worthy of the name has a duty to take out a specific insurance policy, in order to give passengers the best cover in the event of personal injury. At Motocab, passengers are covered for up to 100 million euros from the time they get on board the vehicle until they get off. And the price? To get from Paris to Orly, you should reckon on 50 euros on average (as opposed to around 35 euros for a taxicab, if there are no traffic jams.), and 70 euros for Roissy (around 45 euros for a taxicab). Payment can be made by credit card. Regular clients benefit from special prices. * 1 euro is worth approximately GBP 0.68. For further information |
Motoring and Technology
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