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Show 2 monday. june19, 1978 Taxi probe Continued from page But while pomotion executives feel the complaints taxi and bus services are justified, the companies who own the transportation service are astounded by the bureau investigation. The public has this image of a vast transportation network in Salt Lake," Charlie Boynton of Salt Lake Such Transportation said, network would not be finanSalt Lake cially feasible. Transportation owns both the Yellow Cab franchise and Grayline Motor Tours. There are 144 licensed cabs in the city, but Boynton says the drivers wont go out in the street unless the business is there. Its basically a selfregulating industry, with as many cabs on the road as are needed for the customers. We wouldnt pass up the revenues nst s. ft - a b- s- IBStESS uec 'Z UGaS (SHISS rqju saaase .MMHIIMM if they were there. A delightful dining experience! Cozy and comfortable. . . Best lunch in the city. Perfect after work stop. Empty cabs As to new licenses, The inBoynton contends creased number would be feasible for convention and weekend times, but for the rest of the year, there would be a lot of empty cabs cruising the streets, since the demand is not LUNCH DINNER AFTER WORK Through the lobby in the International Inn Hotel 206 South West Temple 322-326- always that high. Of the 144 licenses, Boyntons company holds 90; the remaining licenses are owned by Ute and City cabs. The board made references 2 0 1 Tuesday at its meeting to a monopolitic problem in cab service, and some members feel if more licenses were to the smaller companies, competition would increase and service would improve. But Boynton questions this. Insurance for cabs has nearly doubled in the past two years, and the cost of more cabs on the street would not be offset by fares. There simply arent enough people to ride except during conventions and company owners havent even been able to draw salaries for six months. is-ssu- ed Whistle till you're green As to the promptness of service, Boynton said a recent survey concluded average time from customer call to cab arrival is eight minutes. Downtown employees however, indicated they sometimes wait at least 30 minutes for the cab to arrive. And you can whistle till your eyes turn green, Hahn charged, before any cabbie will stop and pick you up. Calls to Phoenix, Sacramento, Portland and Omaha showed Salt Lake runs about 30 percent behind these cities in cabs per capita, yet a Wasatch Front Regional Council Study published last year indicates the citys present system is adeauate to handle the load. As to the bus question, Hahn said he advocates the Public Service Commission issue more licenses. There is a lot of money to be made in downtown shut- tle services, Hahn said, and someone should cash in on it. If someone doesnt, Hahn suggested, there is a possibility ot the board working with the Utah Transit Authority to provide the service for a 0 fee. 1978 DODGE TRADESMAN CARGO VAN Government interferrence $139.95 per month . Lessee pays an initial security deposit of $150.00 and $139.95 per month for 36 months or a total of $5038.20 plus sales tax. Estimated residual value of $2800.00 based upon 15,000 miles per WORLD LEASING INC mum LEASING SYSTIM A Division of Menlove Dodge-Toyot- a 2380 So. Hiway 91 Bountiful. Ut.. 84010 (801)295-348- 1 e Boynton doubts this will happen. According to him, the UTA became involved in free shuttle service for a convention two years ago and Salt Lake Transportation took the matter to court. 'Its a matter of government interferring with free enterprise, Boynton said, and we wont stand for it. They are already hurting us with their airport-sk- i resort runs, and we dont want to see that happen anywhere else. Though his suit was settled out of court, Boynton said both the UTA and his company agreed UTA would not offer below cost rides. But the problem is not completely solved, he added since hotels ever have not begun offering shuttle services around town for the patrons. That has not only been a severe detriment to business. continued on page 13 |