Walton Businessman Offering Solution of 30A Traffic Problem - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Some might say starting a free taxi service is a little bit risky--maybe even crazy.

However, for one Walton County man, it's the perfect business model and it's solving a community problem while sweeping people off their feet--literally.

For Ben Harrison, owner of Golf Cart Shuttles of 30A, it's his goal to ensure people are having a great time something easy to do while vacationing along 30A.

"It really is like we're all competing to see who's having a better day," said Harrison.

But, the former concierge for Watercolor Inn, said too often he saw people's exuberance on day one of vacation vanish once they ran into the congested Seaside and Seagrove areas.

"Traffic is rough and parking is even rougher. And, I watched those smiles turn to frowns. I just want that to stop," Harrison.

Traffic congestion isn't new to the area and it only increases during the peak tourist season. So, Ben saw the need for a taxi service and it was a need he decided to fill.

"Just tired of saying I ought to do this, I ought to do this, I really ought to do this, so I did it," said Harrison.

The four week old business is currently operating one, sleek, electric 6 seater. While going green is a focal point of the business model, there's a more interesting twist…it's free! Yes, that's right. Free.

"Some of them will say what's the catch here," joke Harrison.

Ben says there is no catch. He's just working on gratuity. Something Ben's dad, Jack, absolutely loves.

"When he approached me with the idea I thought, "Wow! That is a fantastic idea." Then he talked about a business model of free shuttle. I thought, ‘That is a REALLY fantastic idea," said Harrison.

So do some of Ben's happy customers.

"The work on gratuity so, hey, if you like it you pay, if you don't you don't, but everybody likes him," said Rodney Young

"Little skeptical but it's fantastic," said Penny Schudde.

While Ben has big plans for the future, he said right now he's happy for the chance to help solve one of 30A's biggest issues and bring smiles to the faces of happy riders.