The City Council's transportation committee will hold a hearing next week to determine whether pedicab operators need anything more than a business license to operate, according to Councilwoman Terry LaBruno.  

A couple of entrepreneurs approached LaBruno, chairwoman of the Parking and Transportation Committee - and asked if they could operate pedicabs in the city.

Pedicabs don't seem to be covered by existing taxi regulations, city officials say, and therefore operators would not have to purchase a taxi medallion - which can sell for as much as $250,000.

Some Hoboken residents interviewed recently said they approve of pedicabs as a green alternative to conventional taxis.

"I think it's cool," said Jerry Coggins, 42, who lives on Washington Street. "It's good for the environment."

Others said that they might congest the city streets.

"It would be quaint to have those things pedaling around Hoboken," said Ray Abbiatici, a commuter who was picking up his car near the PATH station to drive home to Basking Ridge. "But then again I see congestion problems. It could be total chaos."

Cabbies waiting in the line to pick up commuters at Hudson Place said they would not welcome more competition in an already crowded field.

"We've already got a lot of competition," said Anton Makar, a yellow cab taxi driver who has worked in Hoboken for two weeks after five years as a cabbie in Jersey City.

There are 53 licenses for cabs in Hoboken, 25 livery licenses, and a unlimited licenses for limousines, a city official said.

In addition, another five cab licenses may be auctioned this year.

LaBruno said she doesn't believe pedicabs would be in direct competition with taxis. She envisions them being used only in nice weather and mainly for tourists and as novelty rides.

In New York, the growing popularity of pedicabs has caused conflict with drivers on the city's crowded streets and Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to strictly regulate them.

LaBruno said that Hoboken might have to consider similar regulations if pedicabs catch on.

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