West Memphis City Council gives greenlight to two cab companies

Need a ride? Call Liberty Lyft or Razorback Cab

news@theeveningtimes.com While ride-share giants Uber and Lyft battle for market share and become household names, two new local taxicab companies faced the giants and launched their businesses in West Memphis this year. One company was a brand new enterprise, while the other was a familiar name with a new owner behind the figurative wheel.

Neither of the two companies received any opposition to their applications for their required Certificate of of Public Convenience from the City Clerk's Office.

Both companies told the West Memphis City Council they planned on building a book of repeat clientele with area residents. LaToya Logan a young entrepreneur who was new to the game told city council she was nervous, as she had never had to stand before a governing board to answer questions.

The brief interview was a required step in getting the proper certificate.

Competitors were surveyed by the city and no one opposed another cab service. The certificate allowed Logan to begin the taxi service Liberty Lyft Service, available at (870) 635-1503. Liberty Lyft promptly joined the West

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Photo by John Rech CAB (cont.) Memphis Chamber of Commerce, a sign of commitment

need a ride will no doubt be familiar with Razorback Cab. The longtime ride provider recently closed shop but has now reemerged with a new owner applying for a certificate to operate the revived cab company throughout the city.

Terry Hardin, nephew of the previous owner, also appeared before city council to apply for his taxi license.

'My uncle had Razorback cab for 28 years and he recently retired,' said Hardin. 'So I was seeing if i could put in a taxi service.'

Councilman Wayne Croom asked Hardin about using the same vehicles and equipment.

'Some of the different vehicles and the radios, things he no longer uses,' said Hardin. 'One or two the previous drivers have contacted me and said they'd like to work' Hardin, who resides in Tyronza, told city council he intended to start with three cabs and possibly expand to five if demand proved strong enough. He announced hours of operation as 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and may be reached at (870) 635-6984.

The increase in the taxi options for city residents goes hand-in-hand with West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon't initiative to revive mass transit in the city and get West Memphis on the move.