By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
This was a race like no other – three winners crossed the finish line Thursday afternoon on Newport’s Ovation Plaza.
Three vehicles, piloted by Covington Mayor Ron Washington, Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. and MeetNKY President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick were off to the races.
And the winner – make that winners — the cities of Covington, Newport and the entire Northern Kentucky region.
“When we talk about Northern Kentucky, we always come back to the river,” said the self-proclaimed winner, Kirkpatrick. “It’s our front porch, our gathering place, and one of the first things visitors fall in love with.
“But for a long time, we’ve been asking an important question – how do we make it easier – and more enjoyable – for people to move along it and experience all of it?”
The answer was those racing vehicles — it was the launch of a new GEST – Given Easy, Safe Transportation — route connecting Covington and Newport.
The free on-demand service will provide rides between hotels, restaurants, entertainment districts and other key destinations along riverfront.
The GEST carts, fully electric, are operated by a Driver Ambassador trained to deliver exceptional customer service. Rides are free and gratuity-based, ensuring inclusivity for locals, visitors and hospitality workers alike. Four unique designs include the Barrel Buggy, Shark Shuttle, Roebling Rover and Clive Cab.
“And it’s all free,” Partrick Dye, co-Founder of GEST cars, told the Northern Kentucky Tribune. “Free transportation for every Reds home game, every Bengals home game, and to all restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.”
Hours of operation, he says, will, be between late afternoon and 1:30 a.m.
“We call it, The Last Mile, or Urban Core Transit,” he said. “All Northern Kentucky hotels have flyers and guests will be familiar with our service.”
Kirkpatrick said, “That’s exactly what the MEETNKY Master Plan challenged us to think about – better, more seamless riverfront connectivity. And today is a great example of what that looks like in action.”
She said bringing GEST carts to Newport and Covington isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about making their journey part of the experience. It’s about helping someone have dinner in Covington, catch a view in Newport, and not have to think twice about how they’ll get there. It’s about giving both visitors and residents an easier way to explore everything that makes this riverfront so special.
“And right now,” she said, “that sense of connection matters even more. With the Fourth Street Bridge temporarily closed we’re all feeling how important it is to stay linked — between our cities, our businesses, and our riverfront destinations.
“Solutions like this help keep people moving, keep businesses supported, and keep that spirit of connection strong.”
Covington Mayor Washington, who also claimed victory – saw it in a different light.
“We’re open for business,” he told the Tribune. “It’s now so much easier to come to our great restaurants. Just make a call, or use the app – I’m pretty excited.
“We’re certainly bridging the gap.”
Mayor Guidugli Jr., of Newport, added: “Now we have a creative way to connect us.”
“We couldn’t do it without partnership,” added Kirkpatrick. “This is what regional thinking looks like – and it’s how we keep building momentum together.”
Perhaps we should have these races a bit more often.
