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The micro-transportation company Qwik Ride, which chauffeurs people around Patchogue in souped-up golf carts for free, has been a hit among patrons since launching earlier this summer, its owners say.
“People love it [in Patchogue],” said Qwik Ride co-owner Dan Cantelmo. “They are using it from waterfront bars to Main Street, to and from parking spots, and village-goers love being picked up from their house.”
So much so, that Cantelmo and his business partner, John Yancigay, are now expanding into Huntington.
“We believe Huntington has a huge parking problem and we can alleviate this issue,” said Cantelmo.
Cantelmo and Yancigay, who are childhood friends and also own the designated driving service Late Night Chauffeurs, came up with the Qwik Ride concept while at a bachelor party in Nashville, Tenn.
“We saw this zipping around town and we thought it was a no-brainer,” Yancigay told GreaterPatchogue.
They later purchased a fleet of five street legal Polaris Gem E6s — the six-passenger model– that is equipped with heat, as well as TVs, sound systems and lighting.
Qwik Ride works similarly to ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, in the sense that you can download an app and order and track your ride. Patrons can also flag down a passing by cart.
Now, as the company expands, the two have added five more carts which will be zip around Huntington starting this weekend.
Qwik Rides will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony at Huntington Hall on Friday, Aug. 17, at 5 p.m.
Top: Courtesy photo of the new Huntington Qwik Ride carts.
prior coverage:
Qwik Ride carts hit the streets, offering free rides in Patchogue Village
