As part of their efforts to boost revenues in the park, the Rec & Park Department is considering proposals for a Segway tour company in the park. In 2008, Segway of SF (now Silicon Segway) was given permission to operate a pilot program offering tours of the park that left from behind the bandshell in the music concourse.

According to the Examiner, that pilot program netted $46,000 during the test run. At the time they only allowed people to make reservations online or over the phone.

Now Rec & Park is looking for someone to set up a permanent kiosk near the bandshell to offer tours. They expect the vendor to pay at least $35,000 a year for the privilege. The Examiner reports that Segway of SF / Silicon Segway will be vying for the concession again.

After a quick search, it looks like Segway SF Bay currently offers tours and rentals in Golden Gate Park. So perhaps it will be a bidding battle between Silicon Segway and Segway SF Bay for the business. Tours could begin as early as July.

I took a Segway tour of Golden Gate Park back in 2008 and it was a blast. Even though I’m a San Francisco native, I still learned a few tidbits about the park’s history, and had a great time zipping around to see the sights. And I secretly enjoyed whizzing by walkers on our way to the top of Strawberry Hill.

Segway tours are also offered on Angel Island.

Sarah B.