how do i start a taxicab company?

Question

need to know how to start a local taxicab company , and what i need to get started.

Answer 1

In St Luis your city hall should have all of the forms and information you need. They may not even allow you to start up as many large cities limit the number of taxi licenses they issue. There is a special type of insurance for cabs you willl have to pay for (thousands $$ per year for each car.)

If you can start up you will need a car (newer, under 4 years old in most big cities) A phone, a cell phone will work, but get a land line as well (use call forwarding to send the calls to the cell phone.) And you will also need a back up car soon. Get a good garage in line to fix your cars. You will also need a taxi meter (about $500 - $1500 each.)

Answer 2

I have done this, so I know what I'm talking about.

1. You must obtain the cab permits from the governmental authority that issues them in the area(s) you will be picking up passengers.

2. You must obtain vehicles, the proper insurance ($5,000 + per vehicle per year), and have the vehicles outfitted with the equipment and signage as required by law.

3. Once this is done, you will probably be required to pass an inspection and meter calibration by the issuing authority.

4. If you will be operating out of an airport or passenger ship port, you will need to obtain those permits as well.

5. You will need to hire some drivers, and they will be subject to a background check and a physical examination in order to obtain their permits.

6. Once all that is done, and you're on the road, you will need some sort of dispatch. Individual cell phones are the simplest way to start. You will also need a land line in order to get a listing in the white pages. This line can then be forwarded to the cell of your choice. You will also need yellow pages advertising. Many cab companies have multiple listings, such as AA cab service A1 cab company, or my personal favorite A AAchen Cab Company. These names put you first in the white and yellow pages, and most passengers just want a cab, and want to exert the least effort getting it. They mostly call the first number they see. You will need fictitious name documents for each listing.

7. Count on at least a year to go by before you begin to see a profit.

8. Public relations - Contact hotel desk clerks, restaurant hosts, bar tenders, car rental agents, jail release workers, police departments, and when appropriate, offer incentives. These individuals call for a lot of cabs over a day's time, and if they keep you in mind, it money in your pocket. If cash incentives are innapropriate, offer ride passes.

THIS IS NOT AN EASY BUSINESS TO SUCCEED IN!!!!!!!!! IF YOU HAVE NOT DRIVEN A CAB BEFORE, YOU ARE IN FOR SOME NEW EXPERIENCES, NOT ALL OF WHICH WILL BE GOOD!!!!! YOUR COMPETITION WILL CUT YOUR THROAT AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, AND YOU WILL BE AT THE MERCY OF FATE WHEN WORKING. Think long and hard before you go to the expense and heartache of starting up a new cab company!! And good luck!!

Answer 3

You probably will need a taxi license or badge from whatever city you want to do business in. That will show that you are a legit company with appropriate insurance, and not some schmuck with a yellow car trying to make some money. Insurance will be an issue too. Commerical vehicles can't be covered by a regular insurance policy, meaning you cant just add the taxi under your own personal policy.

Answer 4

By checking the licensing requirements in your area for setting up a taxicab and making sure you have met them. Having some motor vehicles would also assist. You can also check with a lawyer or accountant in your area for professional advice.

Answer 5

buy 2 cabs and get a partner. that would be a good start