#MONIT TAXI DRIVERS#

“It’s something that needs to be talked about and addressed, and I’m definitely willing to do that in the role on city council - to create this conversation.” I think that’s more of a state Legislature/insurance commissioner issue, but it doesn’t mean I don’t think the city council can have the conversation,” he said. I don’t think that’s a city council issue. At the time Central Cab closed in August, it had a used van purchased for about $3,500 from Souris Basin Transportation that was available for accessible rides.īurlingame said expenses and competition may have had more to do with the demise of cab companies, but the workforce shortage also is affecting all areas of transportation. However, Burlingame said he hasn’t heard that the ordinance was a factor in the disbanding of the city’s taxi services. The City of Minot in 2016 approved an ordinance requiring taxi cab companies to have a vehicle capable of accommodating all types of wheelchairs.

Newly elected Minot city council member Scott Burlingame has been involved on issues related to accessible transportation through his position as executive director at Independence, Inc., which hosted a transportation discussion in September. “We’re trying to figure out who all needs to be at the table to have discussions.” “We’re always trying to help anything that supports our community and the business community and link the right people together,” she said. They say it is a difficult issue to wrap one’s arms around in pursuit of a solution.īrekka Kramer, president/CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, acknowledged the business community’s concerns and noted a solution will require the involvement of a variety of stakeholders. Minot city leaders are aware of unmet transportation needs, not only for the general traveling public but particularly for people requiring handicapped accessibility.

#MONIT TAXI DRIVERS#

The finger of blame for lack of cab companies has been pointed at burdensome city mandates, but others who follow the transportation industry cite factors that include the end of an oil boom, arrival of Lyft and Uber, lack of drivers and high costs, especially for insurance. With the closure of the city’s last cab service in August and fewer drivers contracting with app-ride services, catching a lift has become more difficult and less convenient in the city. On-demand taxi service is a scarcity in Minot these days.

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