Starting a new taxicab service in Las Vegas is a challenge set with many hurdles, as local businessmen Rob Martin, Tim Harney and Phil Griffith have discovered.  The three are working to launch HandiCab, a new taxicab service proposed for the Las Vegas Valley.

HandiCab is a new company with a new approach to transportation.  What makes HandiCab different from current cab companies is its focus on a population they believe is underserved in Southern Nevada -- seniors and people with disabilities.  All HandiCab taxis will be 100 percent handicap accessible, and drivers and dispatchers will be specially trained to serve people with mobility issues.  The cabs will be equipped with GPS devices and staged in different areas around the valley for faster dispatching to all areas of the metropolitan area.

Unlike paratransit, HandiCab’s services will be open to everyone.  However, riders with mobility issues will be given priority in dispatch.

The main hurdle HandiCab faces is in the licensing process.  In order to operate in Southern Nevada, taxi companies must first receive medallions from the Nevada Taxicab Authority.  HandiCab first applied for the medallions two years ago but has faced steady opposition from the existing taxi companies who argue that they adequately serve the disability community already.

HandiCab and disability support organizations believe the majority of HandiCab’s business will come from seniors and people with disabilities who have simply given up on using cabs in Las Vegas because of long wait times and safety concerns.

HandiCab’s final hearing with the Nevada Taxicab Authority is set for April 23rd and 24th, 2009.  HandiCab is urging members of the community to contact the Nevada Taxicab Authority before April to let them know that a taxicab service like HandiCab is needed in Southern Nevada.  Send your letter to the attention of the Board Members, Nevada Taxicab Authority, 1785 E. Sahara Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89104 or use the convenient form found at www.MyTaxiStory.com.

For more information, visit www.MyTaxiStory.com or call HandiCab at (702) 533-5785.