By Rob. Walton How does a person get noticed among the millions partying in the French Quarter at Mardi Gras? For women, it's easy: They flash their breasts. For men, the answer is not so simple. But about six years ago, Lou and Andy, two friends from New Jersey, found a way to get some serious attention. Their "Titty Taxi" is a man-powered conveyance for girls who want a luxurious platform on which to show off. In exchange for a private flash, Lou, Andy and a dozen of their college buds hoist a woman onto their satin-covered platform and parade her along Royal Street for about a block. New Orleans locals have taken to calling the device the "hooter scooter." "We were coming to Mardi Gras for all these years and just being regular drunks in the crowd," recalls Lou, a 33-year-old Colorado State alum. "One year I said, 'Why don't we get involved in this and come up with some sort of theme?' I came up with the taxi idea." The two friends built a wooden platform, covered it with a three-inch-thick satin cushion and attached sturdy oak poles with which to carry it. On top went an illuminated "Titty Taxi" sign. The elaborately decorated contraption dissembles and fits into a bicycle box that Andy and Lou can check at the airport. Since its introduction in 1995, the Titty Taxi has evolved into a popular Mardi Gras attraction away from the less-than-dignified pandemonium on Bourbon Street. "The fare is the flash," beams Andy, a University of Kansas grad. "We bring the taxi out about 2 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. In the beginning we have to run around and persuade girls to ride. As the day wears on, and they see it going back and forth and see how much fun everybody is having, it's a lot easier for us to get people." 01 · 02