Tulare is down to two taxi services after permits for four other cab companies were revoked for failure to pay license fees and follow other regulations.
United Cab Co. and Dial-a-Ride-Tulare, or DART, which is operated by the city, are the only fully licensed cab companies now operating in Tulare.
Porterville-based United Cab Co.’s service area includes Tulare.
Permits for Diamond Taxi, Tulare Limousine Service, Protocol Chauffeured Transportation and RD’s Transportation Services were revoked this week.
"I’m so happy," said Patty McCarthy, United Cab Co.’s district manager. "[Hearing that] just made my week."
The four companies whose permits were revoked have had no contact with the city since their permits were issued. Tulare Limousine got its permit 1998, Diamond Taxi and Protocol got theirs in 1999 and RD’s Transportation received its permit in 2002.
Earlier this year, city officials sent the cab companies a letter informing them they did not have a current business license. The letter requested updated information on insurance and drivers. Letters to three of the companies were returned with no forwarding address.
That figures, Tulare Police Chief Roger Hill said.
"We haven’t seen any services," he said.
Efforts to reach the cab services were unsuccessful Wednesday. Police officers will tell cabbies driving for the affected companies that their license is invalid, Hill said.
United Cab owner Chris McCarthy said the company has 17 vehicles, including some purchased recently. United Cab has operated in Tulare since 2006.
"I just want to give good service to the city," McCarthy said.
United Cab Co.’s customers include medical patients who need transportation to hospitals and treatment centers. The company has contracts with local hospitals, McCarthy said.
"We stay pretty busy in Tulare," he said.
The 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week cab service also services the bar crowd, McCarthy said. DART, which has been in operation for almost two decades, takes users anywhere within the city limits and operates Monday through Saturday. Dispatchers said the service is pretty booked and that waits of up to 40 minutes are common.
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