The Green Hopper In the News!

HOPPER MAY HELP WITH PARKING PROBLEMS

By Michael d'Oliveira - Pelican Staff
20 February 2009 Volume III Issue 4
Front Page

Resident Steve Zollo considers himself lucky to live close enough to walk to Wilton Drive to enjoy all it has to offer, without having to find a parking space.

Now, thanks to The Green Hopper LLC, many other Wilton Manors residents won’t have to worry about finding a parking space either.

Since its official Valentine’s Day launch, The Green Hopper has been ferrying people around Wilton Manors in the city’s newest, cleanest and greenest ride.

“Wherever the need is we’ll be there. We’re here to accommodate the public and provide the best possible service,” said Alan Carter, one of the co-owners of The Green Hopper, adding, “The response has been unbelievable.”

Carter says Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to start operations.

“An awful lot of love went into the creation of this,” said Carter.

The Green Hopper’s three Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, or NEV, which can go up to 40 miles per [battery] charge and at top speed of 25 to 26 mph, can pick-up and drop-off riders anywhere in the city.

“It’s a nice, relaxing drive, and it’s free. Just tip the driver,” said Bartolome.

It is estimated that it will take about 10 minutes, once a call is made, for an NEV to show up.

With the recent loss of about 90 spaces at Hagen Park, to the new city hall construction, parking along Wilton Drive seems to be a shrinking commodity.

Carter and some city officials have said The Green Hopper might help alleviate some of the parking woes residents, businesses and visitors are experiencing.

The new service was also discussed - and used to campaign - by all three candidates during the recent commission race.

The Green Hopper’s co-owners are also hoping drivers who’ve had a few drinks will think of them first before risking a DUI, or worse.

Carter said that he’s also hoping, in light of the Feb. 1 death of a pedestrian crossing Wilton drive, the service can help make things safer for pedestrians.

Carter hopes to accomplish all that while leaving as minimal impact on the environment as possible. “Clean, eco-friendly efforts, even on a small scale, can still make a difference,” said Carter.

Those looking to enjoy the many bars and restaurants Wilton Manors has to offer should have no trouble finding The Green Hopper for a lift. Sidelines Sports Bar, 203 Wilton Drive; Georgie’s Alibi, 2266 Wilton Drive, and Scandals Saloon, 3073 NE 6th Ave, are some of the regular stops along The Green Hopper route.

Carter says he can’t do all the driving by himself though.

He is looking for drivers who are 25 years or older and have a good driving record.

“We’re locally owned and run and we’re providing employment for local people,” said Carter.

The Green Hopper will be hopping around Wilton Manors Sunday through Wednesday 11am to 11pm and Thursday through Saturday 11am to 2am. Hours of operation and areas of service will be extended as demand dictates.

To schedule a ride, apply as a driver, or use The Green Hopper for special events, visit TheGreenHopper.com or call 954-960-7999 or 888-961-7999.

The Green Hopper takes to the streets - Free shuttle service hopes to change local transportation

By Jason Michaels
FEB. 26, 2009 Page 5

A new vehicle is now cruising the streets of Wilton Manors, searching for anyone who wants a ride: The Green Hopper, a free shuttle service, provides transportation, point-to-point, anywhere within the city.

The Green Hopper is a creation of Alan Carter, as an inexpensive, “green” way to commute in Wilton Manors. Carter has purchased four G.E.M. (Global Electric Motorcars) produced by Chrysler which will get up to 40 miles on a full charge. Each car will hold five passengers plus the driver. Carter has a fast charge station set up to recharge the cars when necessary.

Using The Green Hopper is free. The service is mostly paid for by advertising on the cars themselves. The drivers are paid by the tips they receive from the passengers.

Passengers may flag down the bright green vehicles when they see them driving down the street or they can call ahead for pick-up service. Service is limited to mostly to Wilton Manors but The Green Hopper can also be used to and from nearby locations such as the GLCC or Boardwalk.

HOT GOSSIP TALK

26 February 2009
Page 14

HOP ON BOARD
If necessity is the mother of invention, then the dearth of parking along the Wilton Drive strip has inspired a big idea. In response to the construction that has taken hundreds of parking spots out of service near popular nightspots like Sidelines Sports Bar and Tropics, Alan Carter and his business partner, Angelo Bartolome, have come up with some relief—and it’s environmentally friendly, too. On Valentine’s Day, they launched the Green Hopper, a free transportation service provided on electric, zero emission, five-passenger vehicles. Laurie Whittaker, owner of Sidelines, knew a good thing and quickly signed up to be the first advertiser on the free, sponsor-supported shuttle. Already, the Green Hopper is getting big thumbs up from the dozens of riders who took advantage of the hop around Wilton Manors over the weekend. For a schedule and routes, go to www.thegreenhopper.com.