Yellow Cab • Round Rock

Yellow Cab • Round Rock

Written by Eric Pulsifer Thursday, 03 July 2008

One of the countless industries hit hard by the price of gasoline is the taxicab industry, but it is not all doom and gloom for driver Ronnie Carter. He moved to Texas 21 years ago and has been driving a Yellow Cab taxi for 11 years. He says the price at the pumps has had little impact on his cab business in Central Texas.

This is due to help from the city, which reviews gas prices quarterly and adjusts the fare surcharge to help assist drivers, and to the demand for a variety of transportation options.

“There’s always something going on here,” Carter said. “The population has more than doubled since I moved here. I think Round Rock only had three or four traffic lights back then.”

With events happening every evening in the area, there are always people who want to go out by cab, Carter said, if not to forego the headache of the freeway and the hassle of parking, to avoid drinking and driving.

The city mandates the cost of a cab trip, meaning that no matter what company passengers go with, they will end up paying the same rate. With no way to slash prices to spur interest, word-of-mouth is crucial for Carter, and he strives to make sure his passengers are satisfied.

“You really try to appease your passengers any way you can,” he said. “I just try to have a good attitude.”

Carter works to keep his cab clean and show up on schedule with help from live traffic updates via the internet and an intimate knowledge of area roadways.

Technology plays a big role in the industry, but with frequent changes to highways, Carter said a driver cannot rely on GPS or online maps.

However, Carter does depend on technology for his most common clientele: prearranged pickups and drop offs at the airport. Monitoring flight stats with his mobile phone, Carter is able to make sure he shows up earlier or later as needed.

Green cabs

While New York City is attempting to switch its taxi fleet to hybrids, Carter said Austin — despite its progressive reputation — is unlikely to see changes of that magnitude anytime soon because of the way Texas manages its cabs.

But Carter is fond of the idea of switching over. He said his next car will likely be a Ford Escape Hybrid or a Toyota Prius.

Franchise on wheels

Like all Yellow Cab drivers, Carter works as an independent contractor, and his taxi is like a franchise. Drivers can purchase a car from Yellow Cab or bring in their own vehicle and have it outfitted in the company’s distinctive yellow and black.

Yellow Cab has always provided service to Round Rock, but earlier this year the company dedicated a portion of its taxis to the area to shorten wait times for customers north of Austin. Between the two cities, Yellow cab has a fleet of more than 450 cabs. To find a taxi with Yellow Cab Austin, call 452-9999.

Cab Fare

The price for a passenger’s fare is regulated by the City of Austin and is the same for all cabs. The current meter rate is $2.05 for the first 2/7 mile plus 30 cents for each additional 1/7 mile ($2.10/mile) plus a gas surcharge of 10 cents per mile.

Trips that originate at the airport are subject to a $1 surcharge. There is no additional charge for extra passengers, and up to four may ride for the price of one.

Yellow Cab, Taxi No. 286, Ronnie Carter • 940-1596 direct, YellowCab286@yahoo.com