Village Gives Hamptons Free Ride the Thumbs Up

East Hampton Village Board said they will lend their support to the entrepreneurs behind a proposed eco-friendly, free shuttle service.

Jim Mirras told the board on Thursday that Hamptons Free Ride will provide visitors and residents of East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk with a 100 percent electric shuttle service to and from key locations in the village, including the train station and the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is no cost to the riders, as the initiative is supported by what he called inexpensive advertising.

Alternating six-seat models will run 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it's transporting those who work in the village business district to and from the long term parking lot on Lumber Lane or those without beach parking permits to Main Beach, "The idea is to take cars off the road for unnecessary trips," said Mirras, who is one of two young men behind the concept.

"I think it's a great idea and I applaud you for the initiative," said Deputy Mayor Barbara Borsack in a sentiment echoed by the entire board. 

Village Administrator Larry Cantwell said he and village attorney Linda Riley need to look at the village's taxi licensing provision to see if it applies to Hamptons Free Taxi.

Mirras said that the vehicles do not have Taxi and Limousine Commission license plates as they are registered as slow moving vehicles and they are free. 

"There’s a lot of benefits to what you’re doing, to us especially when it comes to the issue of people coming to the downtown and not being able to park," said Cantwell. It's important, he said, for them to spend time in village center.

Mirras said he would meet with Village Police Chief Jerry Larsen about where to safely pick-up and drop people off after Borsack asked if the East Hampton Library would be one possibility.

Elbert Edwards inquired as to where the electric cars would charge. Mirras said the cars run for about two hours or 40 miles before they need a charge.

"Right now we have enough family and friends we can charge them at their houses," Mirras said. "I would love to speak to you guys at a later time about maybe supporting charging stations throughout town."

Village board member David Brown raised one concern: "What happens when there's not enough parking?," in the long-term lot. He was concerned the lot could be taken up with beachgoers on a holiday weekend.

"I kind of hope that's an issue of ours," Mirras said.

"It could take off like there's no tomorrow," he said, adding "I can see Main Street being filled up with cars the entire length of people who want to go to the beach."

But, Mayor Paul Rickenbach Jr. said, "The long-term lot will be our only vulnerability," as it's the only place to park for more than 1 to 2 hours.

The board suggested Mirras and his partners talk to the school district about using their parking lot, as well.

Brown also asked what kind of signage Hamptons Free Ride would require. Mirras said he wanted a small sign, similar to that of the Hampton Jitney.