Ultra-modern and somewhat crazy looking electric carriages may be in New York City soon. A British transportation company entered talks with New York’s elected officials, in hopes of bringing the vehicles to Central Park (heard through Patch).
Unicarriage, the luxury transportation company, provides a zero-emission alternative to limousines. They claim to offer the excitement of riding in a horse carriage. The hope is that their electric coaches will become associated with New York before a larger rollout across the United States.
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Unicarriage’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Dreifus, hopes to launch in New York City during the upcoming holiday season. The vehicles would be street legal and registered through the Department of Transportation. They’d hit the road like any other car, Dreifus explained. The hope is to operate in places such as Central Park and Prospect Park. Previously, private vehicles have been banned in both.
The Unicarriage Experience
The carriages are fully-enclosed and operated by a trained driver. They feature climate control and a sound system that can be used for music or for a guided tour. A number of different carriages also have special designs, and some even feature an Art Deco theme meant to evoke New York’s iconic architecture. The vehicles can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour.
The experience is fun and geared towards a tourist clientele. Passengers are seated slightly higher than in a normal car, allowing for a better view of the sights. Although the experience is about seeing the sights, it’s a nice opportunity to “be seen” too.
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Unicarriage transitioned from motorcycle to electric vehicle, and the vehicles are now quieter and more eco-friendly. They can operate in all weather conditions, according to the company. While it may compete with horse and carriage rides, the company said that its goal is not to phase out New York City’s traditional horse carriage industry (though many New Yorkers may want them too).
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