The line of headlights along Poe Parkway in front of the Vaughn Center is certain to mark the beginning of a long weekend for students as they hit the streets headed toward their favorite Tampa nightlife.
New to the usual line of weekend rides this year is Green Fleet Courtesy cabs. Problem is, students just can’t seem to fit enough of their friends into the hybrid cars and the owners are concerned about student safety.
“Our main concern is their safety,” said Abraham Manardi, co-proprietor of the Green Fleet.
Manardi and his cousin G.J. Manardi enjoy providing the students with the service but want to make sure that they are tipping the drivers in order to allow the “free rides” to continue.
“We make sure the kids get to where they need to go,” A. Manardi said. “Overall, we are not having any problems.”
There does seem to be a problem, however, once the vehicle passes the boundary of the free ride zone. After leaving the free ride zone, usual charges begin and this is where there seems to be some confusion.
“It’s up to the students to ask the drivers,” A. Manardi said about the location of the zones.
Yellow Cab, which is affiliated with the Green Fleet, has stationed two starters which direct the students to the cabs and make sure they get to where they need to go.
“The starters are there for their protection,” A. Manardi said.
The Manardi cousins explained that the tips received is really what will make or break the service. Some of the Yellow Cab and Checkered Cab drivers also volunteer to offer the service.
“The more tip, the more drivers will be involved to handle the volume,” G.J. Manardi said.
Students seem to be pretty happy with the service.
Chris Brundage, a freshman, was surprised to hear that there were any problems with the service or the drivers.
“All the drivers have been cool,” Brundage said.
Some of the drivers have even offered good advice on where to go and not to go at the various drop off locations.
Nick Chmura, a UT sophomore, gave the service a 9 out of 10.
The drivers also make the ride a fun one.
“They pump up the beat,” David Aussie Mulhern, a UT sophomore said.
It’s suggested that the drivers are tipped a few dollars per person. Students also need to be aware of their destination making sure it is in the “free ride” zone.
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