Thursday was Tuk Tuk Day in Pasadena

Today was the first, and probably only, official Tuk Tuk Day in Pasadena. Today, dusitD2 Hotel Constance rolled out the city’s only electric tuk tuk. The electric six-passenger vehicle made its debut at 11:00 a.m. this morning as Mayor Terry Tornek took the first test drive around the block.

These iconic vehicles are a standard means of transportation in Thailand and known for their signature “tuk tuk tuk” sound. The introduction represents a marriage of the East and West here in Pasadena. Hotel Constance is a Thai brand and they seek to innovate by bringing new experiences to Pasadena, CEO of Singpoli, Ken Hui, explained.

District 7 Council member, Andy Wilson, added “we mix the old and new together.” The tuk tuk is iconic of a culture but also technologically advanced. The tuk tuk has a range of 55 miles per charge.

Similarly, Mayor Tornek explained that he sees Pasadena as a city that’s open to embrace other cultures.

“We value heritage but are not afraid to innovate,” he said. The tuk tuk is just one example of how the city is making Old Pasadena new again.

“We’re using the innovation of the hotel and trying it to all the unique landmarks in Pasadena, “ said Frank Girardot, CEO, Pegasus Communications, whose firm represents the Hotel Constance.

The tuk tuk will ferry hotel guests to local places such as Old Pasadena restaurants and nearby colleges starting tomorrow.

The tuk tuk requires a motorcycle license for operation and this one is driven by Rory, of Hotel Constance. Catch a ride on the orange side and enjoy this innovative East-meets-West Pasadena attraction.

dusitD@ Hotel Constance is located at 982 East Colorado Blvd. Call (626) 898-7900 or visit www.hotelconstance.com for more details.