New scooter taxi service launches in Melbourne

FORGET the taxi and skip the tram, Australia’s newest transport service is offering to move people around with the wind whipping through their hair.

AUSTRALIA’S newest transport service is offering to move people around with the wind whipping through their hair.

Scooti, the nation’s first app-based scooter taxi service, launches in Melbourne on Tuesday and is due to be running within the month.

Founder and chief executive Cameron Nadi said it could help passengers beat the city’s growing congestion woes.

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Scooti CEO Cam Nadi gives Eva Krane a lift in South Yarra. Picture: Ian Currie

“The main advantage of Scooti is, of course, getting where you want to go sooner,” he said. “Two wheels have a distinct advantage in busy traffic.

“Melbourne’s transport issues are an ongoing problem but the city’s commitment to innovation is also real and we’re here to be part of the solution.”

Mr Nadi said scooter taxis were common in cities such as Amsterdam, Florence and Hong Kong.

The service would be tested in congested parts of the city before a planned April start.