There will soon be a second taxi company in Revelstoke.
Howard’s Taxi is owned and operated by Howard and Allan Lehman. The company is waiting for a business license from the City of Revelstoke after recently getting permission from the Passenger Transportation Safety Board.
READ MORE: Behind the wheel: Taxi driving as a career
Howard said there was an opportunity in Revelstoke to open another taxi service so he decided to “jump on it”.
In the application to the Passenger Transportation Safety Board, Howard said that the current taxi service in the city is overwhelmed by tourists during the ski season.
“Customers have waited two hours for taxis,” he wrote.
Howard’s Taxi will have two vehicles and plans to have another two in the future. The pair previously operated a taxi company in Saskatchewan.
While they expect to be operational sometime next week, people are already made inquiries about the new service.
“Oh my god, the phone keeps ringing,” said Howard.
Last summer, the Revelstoke Accommodation Association submitted a letter to the city about taxi service currently available Revelstoke. The letter outlined issues concerning reliability of service, interior and exterior cleanliness, not taking government tokens as payment, inappropriate or rude drivers and negative interactions with dispatchers.
In a response to those concerns Lorraine Switzer, manager of the company said they would enjoy the opportunity to work with the Accommodation Association.
“We have been here for 45 years running taxis through good times and bad,” she said in an email, at the time. “I have no problem with the retraining of our drivers as a matter of fact I am looking forward to it.”
READ MORE: Revelstoke Accommodation Association asks for better taxi service
Unlike the other taxi service, Howard’s Taxi will accept debt/credit.
To order a cab next week, call Howard’s Taxi at 250-683-2733.
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liam.harrap@revelstokereview.com
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