Pedicab Predicament: Orlando Convention Center Rip-off

A visitor to MEGACON Orlando experienced an alarming price surge for a pedicab ride, being charged over $255 for an approximately eight-minute trip that was initially quoted at $30. The passenger, Tyler Coburn, stated the driver pressured him into paying an additional tip, bringing the total to $265. This incident follows a pattern of similar accusations against the driver, Carlos Mejia Gonzalez, who operates with VIP Pedicab Company LLC. Last October, a father and son in Jacksonville reported being quoted $20 each for a ride, only to be presented with a $250 bill at the end. That encounter led to Mejia Gonzalez's arrest on charges of robbery and battery. Orange County ordinances require pedicab drivers to register and prominently display their rate schedules. Despite these regulations, the practice of inflating fares appears to persist. Mejia Gonzalez, reached via email, denied changing prices after rides and stated payments were voluntary. He declined to comment on the Jacksonville incident, citing ongoing legal review. Legal analyst Bill Sheaffer noted that such price manipulation could fall under Florida's deceptive trade practices act, though proving such claims can be challenging. Coburn has since disputed the charge with his bank and has vowed to avoid pedicabs in the future, opting to walk or find closer parking instead.