Pending ordinance, new cab company could expand Roseburg's taxi cab services
By KPIC.com StaffROSEBURG, Ore. -- Local entrepreneur Asaf "Oggy" Zohar, originally from Israel is taking steps in Roseburg to create new taxi services for the citizens of Douglas County. MultimediaIn order to run the newest cab company, city council has to approve new changes in their taxi cab ordinance. The city council had no idea that we even had a problem in the city," Zohar said. "They were shocked to find out that Dave Spani, the guy who's the District Liquor Inspector, pointed out a problem that he meets with bar owners and pub owners and they all say the same thing. There is not enough sufficient taxi cabs in Roseburg." Douglas County Sunshine Taxi Company is the only other local cab company, aside from the Green Cab Company in Winston, but Zohar says that's still not enough to meet the citizen's needs. "That's the beauty of it; in business one is never enough. When you have no competition, business just stays in one place and pretty much rots," described Zohar. "Rules and regulation for a business that doesn't have any kind of competition in town is obviously not going to be satisfying to the customer." Zohar, who also owns several business inside the Roseburg Valley Mall, says his newest venture, which would be called "Elite Taxi and Limo Services", is not only needed, but would utilize the latest technology. Monday's city council meeting drafted an ordinance that would require taxi cabs to be equipped with a functioning two-way radio or a hands-free cell phone system, as well as a taxi-meter or a G.P.S. system. "The last time the code was altered was in 1996 and cell phones we're even that common in 1996! Obviously it's a lot better for a taxi driver to use a hands free system and not having to hold a two-way radio the whole time," said Zohar. "It's all about safety." But to concerned competitor, Sunshine Taxi, Zohar's business throws up red flags. "Cell phones in general, are not a safe item and statistics have proven that," explained Sunshine Taxi Spokesman Taj Gombart. "Oregon is still looking at this hands free [law], whether or not it's going to be hands free or whether or not they're going to ban cell phones all together." But the Israeli business man says he's all about customer service and will do whatever it takes. He has no problem installing both a traditional meter as well as G.P.S. systems to indicate a flat rate charge for customers. Zohar's "Elite Taxi and Limo Service" would consist of a fleet of five taxi cabs and one limo; but based on need, he's open to further expansion. A second reading of the ordinance is open for public comment on April 12th. If that ordinance passes you can expect to see new black and gold, Elite taxi cabs around the city towards the beginning of May. |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
