Golf update: LA city takes over golf cart rentals in the entire state
The city government in Los Angeles took over golf-cart rentals at municipal courses, despite facing oppression from the golf fraternity of the area.
In an attempt to boost revenue during the weekend and keep the local residents employed in the city, the authorities took charge of all the golf carts rentals. However, they failed to put them in functional form for the public since the electric carts were
left uncharged forcing the golfers to walk on the courses. The carts are to be used in Encino-Balboa, Woodley Lakes, Hansen Dam, Griffith Park, and Rancho Park courses. Exceptions include the Harbor Park Golf Course and Wilmington.
The city's director of golf operations, James Ward explained, “We don't know who was responsible for it, but when we took over all the carts were just sandwiched in together and none of them had been plugged in. Once we were able to get them charged up,
we were able to rent them out."
He added that the state had hired 35 workers at seven courses, who would take the charge of golf cart rentals. Initially, J.H. Kishi Co. held the charge for golf car rentals for nearly four decades. This created a monopoly, limiting opportunities for many
individuals. The change will not only regulate operations, but it also would put people to work, who were either jobless or laid off in past.
The incentive, however, was not welcomed by the golf firms operating in the state. Ready Golf, the close competitor of J.H. Kishi Co. filed a petition against the state and opposed the change. Ready Golf outbid J.H. Kishi in 2007, but could not takeover,
owing to the resistance created by the state.
Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is preparing a response to the petition.
Ward highlighted the fact that the carts were obsolete. He said that they received a complaint that the golf carts were outdated, therefore, the city was in a process of buying 500 new golf carts from Club Car.
The takeover has been implemented by the city authorities with 14% expected rise in the revenue.
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