Have Laser Will Travel
   Although the LPD 9000 is small enough to fit in Jon Barnes’ Aspen taxicab, it is not efficient enough to run off the car’s 12 volt power supply.
   That’s why the taxi relies on low-powered helium neon and diode lasers to entertain the fares. Barnes uses simple scanners to create abstract laser patterns on the interior of the cabs roof. Lasers mounted in movable lighting instrument modules create shafts of light in mist generated by a trunk-mounted theatrical fogger. Barnes also entertains passengers with electronic keyboard solos, a chest thumping stereo system, and an array of neon and fluorescent lights. He admits that he doesn’t get much driving done during the laser shows, but says passengers seek him out for entertainment, not transportation.
   “No one’s in a hurry to get anywhere when they get into my cab. Basically, the taxi is theatre – a rolling magic show and rock concert. And I do a great Pink Floyd laser show.