Q: How is the bad economy affecting the pedicab industry?

Recently I've found several articles about how the bad economy is affecting those in various service industries -- often those who can afford it the least. I wonder if this includes those piloting pedicabs and rickshaws.

Some drivers are reporting fewer huge nights, but more nights with average takes. They're saying that the money and work seems more steady. We are also seeing a surge in interest from potential drivers. Granted, this is our busy season, but I wonder if more people are looking for ways to bring in a little extra cash. For the last 3 years we've constantly heard complaints of too many cabs on the street, so we've learned to turn a bit of a deaf ear to them.

With the increase in the price of gas, more people are using alternative transportation like buses, carpooling and lightrail. That should mean more people needing a lift to and from events and destinations. Is this creating a surge in demand for rickshaw services by existing operations as well as new operations in new cities?

Take a glance at the articles below, then let me know what you think.

Is the down economy affecting pedicab drivers? How about pedicab companies? Is the affect for better or worse?

Tipping servers sinks in bad economy

DETROIT -- For several years Jason Garth has served as a valet attendant for many Metro Detroit motorists who frequent restaurants like The Woodward, Detroit's Breakfast House & Grill and Arturos.

Lately, he's noticed that the economic malaise is affecting even his affluent patrons.

"I've been working valet for the past three years and over that time my tips have declined. Some of the regulars I valet for used to give $15 tips but over the past year they have decreased as low as $5."

Bartenders, waiters, valet drivers, hair stylists, cab drivers and other workers who depend on tips for much of their income are among those who say they are seeing decreases as customers feeling the economic pinch trim their gratuities -- or sometimes omit them entirely.

Read the rest of the article...

Bad Economy Hurts Strip Clubs, Too
Clubs Considered 'Luxury Item'

TAMPA, Fla. -- It seems the lousy economy is keeping guys away from strip clubs.

In Tampa, a city known for its adult entertainment businesses, attendance has dropped at usually thriving strip clubs. Joe Redner, the owner of the well-known Mons Venus club, said his business is down 25 percent.

Angelina Spencer is national executive director of the Association of Club Executives, a group that represents adult entertainment clubs. She said she fields calls every day from strip club owners around the country feeling the pinch of a bad economy.

Spencer said entertainment is a luxury item and "one of the first things people give up."

But Redner said the economy is having another effect on the business: It's bringing out more women willing to give pole dancing a try.

For Restaurant Workers, Economy Eats Away at Tips

You just handed Molly Turner $3 after she poured you a $2.75 draft beer at Spice, the downtown Harrisburg hot spot. She hands you a quarter back.

This is the moment when the bartender, 38, makes a living. This is what decides whether [she] can afford to take two beach trips per month like she used to, or whether she has to continue to live paycheck to paycheck.

It used to be most people would reach into their wallets and find another $1 bill to give her. Now, Turner said, more and more people are just giving that quarter. And it has cost her a few hundred dollars per month.

Read the rest of the story...