Yellow Cab to Quit City Fares

By Amber Lester Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Williamsburg residents and visitors will no longer be able to hail Yellow Cabs in the city.

Yellow Cab of Williamsburg announced it will cease operations in the city as of Sept. 7, but will continue to offer service in James City County, Newport News and to Williamsburg from the Newport News Williamsburg International Airport.

Yellow Cab of Williamsburg CEO Judith Swystun said the poor economy and competition in Williamsburg drove the decision. “With the economic downturn, we had not created enough business to keep a fleet up in Williamsburg,” she said Tuesday.

Yellow Cab’s withdrawal from the city opens up an opportunity for competitors to apply for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity. The current Williamsburg ordinance authorizes a maximum of 32 certificates. Yellow Cab possessed 14 certificates; because Yellow Cab’s drivers own their cars, the company had 14 cabs in the city. The remaining 18 certificates are split between Williamsburg Taxi, Historic Taxicab Company and Triangle Taxi.

The city has informed the three remaining cab companies that they have the option to submit applications for additional certificates. “The City appreciates Yellow Cab’s service to the community and respects their decision,” said Jack Tuttle, city manager. “We expect the remaining providers to meet the need for quality taxicab service in Williamsburg.”

Tuttle said cabs are utilized by a wide range of people. “Certainly visitors to the area without cars,” he said, adding that many take cabs from the Amtrak station. “Also, some elderly and disabled folks use cabs for transportation.”