PORTAGE: Krazy Cab license renewed; two others left in limbo

There may be a short number of paid rides available in the city come the wee hours of Jan. 1.

The Traffic Commission on Thursday renewed the license of one taxi cab company to serve the city in 2007, tabled a request for a new company and hasn't received a renewal request for a third that is presently licensed and operating in the city.

Krazy Cabs of Valparaiso received its license renewal Thursday without question.

A new company, 24-7 Taxi Cab, of Portage, is seeking a license to begin operations in the city. However, the request from the company, which already operates a service in Lake Station and Merrillville, was tabled.

Commission Chairman Mark Oprisko said there were issues with some of the drivers listed by the company and asked owner Larry Meyers to resolve the issues prior to the commission granting a license. Oprisko said they hoped to have the issues resolved by the commission's next meeting Jan. 4.

A third company, Best Cab of Portage, which is licensed and operating in the city in 2006, has not yet submitted its paperwork for a license renewal.

Taxi licenses expire Dec. 31.

City ordinance does not permit taxi cab companies to pick up clients within city limits unless they have a valid license in the city. They are allowed to travel through and make drop-offs in the city without a license. The ordinance also requires $500,000 in liability insurance as well as background checks on drivers and vehicle inspections.
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/12/21/news/porter_county/