Calgary residents have always been hard pressed to find cabs during busy holidays and during the Stampede, but a new company says they’re hoping to change that.
A spokesperson for Calgary United Cab, which has a fleet of 70 cabs, says they aim to answer every call that comes to them.
They say inefficient dispatch is one of the big problems with the industry.
“Our dispatch system can accommodate at least 1,000 calls and we can increase as many call takers as needed. Those call takers can be added whenever our fleet is growing. The need is growing,” says Naeem Chaudry, with Calgary United Cab.
The founder of the company is also taking the lead from a Calgary success.
It has made all the drivers shareholders in the company, giving them a voice, which offers hope for improved service.
The new company, however, won’t be changing the number of cabs on city streets. The City of Calgary’s licence has been capped for decades at around 1,500 taxis.
Ward 5 councillor Ray Jones says he is planning to push for more than 300 new taxi licences in the hopes of easing frustration during the Calgary Stampede and other major events.
