New ‘Localride’ private transport service up and running in Mossman and Wonga areas
‘LOCALRIDE’ STARTS
A gap in transport services in the Mossman and surrounding areas will be at least partially filled by a new privately-operated people mover business.
Wonga Beach man Jason Baker responded to strong support for the idea on social media and bought a brand new eight-seater vehicle for his service, which is already taking bookings for trips including transfers to Cairns Airport and locals wanting a night out in Port Douglas.
After just a day of posting that ‘Localride’ was ready to go, the Mr Baker received several bookings, including local rides from Cooya to Mossman, and Wonga Beach to the Airport.
He says he has set some fixed rates between places such as Mossman and Port Douglas, working in with another transfer operator in the area to get fair prices.
It’s comparable basically, really, to what you pay Uber,” Mr Baker said.
“We’re in the middle, where I’ve set the prices, just to make it fair on everyone.”
Filling a gap
The start-up business operator said he believes he will be filling a transport gap which has meant people in the area needing transport to get to appointments or just to go shopping or out for the day, have often not been able find a ride.
“There’s only Colleen in Mossman, so you’ve got Colleen and you’ve got the taxi service.”
After hearing the new service was starting, the response locally and from places such as resorts in Port Douglas needing to pass on airport transfer work has been very positive, Mr Baker said.
“I’ve had a call from Mossman Hospital this morning, they want cards dropped in, there’s a ride from the Hospital to Port Douglas this afternoon.”
Mr Baker intends to gauge the demand and profitability of his new venture over the next couple of months at least, before deciding whether it has proven busy enough and viable to expand.
“I’ll keep monitoring it and see how the first couple of months roll,” he said.
“But looking at it at the moment, I don’t think there’s going to be any shortage of work, that’s for sure.”
He has advised customers to book as far ahead as possible on his new website https://www.localride.com.au.
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