‘Pedicab’ service launched at two casinos

Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999 | 10:46 a.m.

Station Casinos Inc. announced it initiated "pedicab" service at Sunset Station and Boulder Station casinos, making the properties the first in the area to offer such a service.

Two pedicabs -- a hybrid of a bicycle and a rickshaw -- will operate in the casinos' parking lots from 6 p.m. to midnight each Friday and Saturday to provide transportation to and from cars at no cost.

"We have large parking lots and now our guests don't have to walk long distances," said Don Marrandino, president and general manager of the casinos "In addition, the pedicabs provide security, and the drivers act as another set of eyes around the property."

Jack Taylor, spokesman for Station Casinos, said the company is in talks to put the pedicabs at its other Las Vegas-area properties. The service is provided at no cost to participating properties, as drivers lease the bicycles and collect tips.

The pedicabs will be operated by Silver State Pedicabs, which started operations just a few months ago. The company also offers service at Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium. Silver State founder Bob Villoria said the company expects to initiate similar service at the Rio, Sam's Town and Excalibur within 60 days.

"It's just a matter of getting more drivers," Villoria said.