The Town of Ocean City will begin seeking proposals from operators interested in providing pedicab services on the Boardwalk.
During Tuesday’s work session, the Ocean City Council directed staff to proceed with a request for proposals (RFP) from operators interested in entering into a franchise agreement for Boardwalk pedicab services.
The service would replace the Boardwalk trams, which were pulled from operation in 2024 after a police investigation into a tram fatality revealed a series of motor vehicle violations.
“In wake of losing the ability to offer a Boardwalk tram service, we are looking for an alternative, understanding the fact that pedicabs could never totally replace the experiences or services provided by our trams,” Deputy City Manager JR Harmon told the council this week.
“We spoke to two possible proposers and garnered their interest in the concept of providing pedicab services strictly for the Boardwalk, and we have incorporated suggestions into the proposed scope of services, which is the packet.”
According to the project scope, the city’s objective in developing a pedicab program is to provide a transportation service to Boardwalk visitors outside of the normal bike hours. The program will feature one company, which must start with at least 20 vehicles, 10% of which having the ability to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.
The council’s decision this week follows pleas from community members and requests from the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) to find a replacement for the Boardwalk tram service.
So it will be legal to be pulled in a cart by a bicycle, but illegal to ride a bicycle during peak boardwalk hours. Smart, Lol
When in the Hell do these stupid people come from?
Ocean City!