New taxi service comes to Creston

On April 17, a new business came to town: Ray’s Taxi Cab. This service, owned and operated by Ronnie Ray, was a long time in the making.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Ray said. “Creston’s always had a taxi cab. My mom and dad used to run a taxi cab way back when I was young.”

In addition to the family history, Ray wants to help local people get home safely.

“Just to help the community, give them a ride if they want to go out and have fun,” Ray said. “It’s mostly so people can go out and have a good time, I’ll give them a ride home.”

Ray explained he’s focusing on nights rather than all-day service.

“I’m just doing the evenings because I don’t want to take away from the trolley,” Ray said.

So far, business has been good.

“Fridays and Saturdays have been pretty good,” Ray said. “During the week has been slow. The weekends have been decent. It’s getting better and better every weekend. I just think it will take some time for people to get used to there being a cab in town.”

Pattie Young, a manager at the Montgomery Street Pub, has utilized this service.

“My experiences with them was great,” Young said. “They were very friendly and made sure I made it home safe.”

Working at a bar, Young appreciates having this service available.

“Being a bar manager it gives me a piece of mind knowing my customers can have a good time and not have to worry about drinking and driving,” Young said. “It is an affordable, safe option for people inside and outside of town.”

Rides are available from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Saturday. Ray explained the pricing.

“From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., I’m running $5 a ride anywhere in town,” Ray said. “From 10 p.m. to 12 p.m., it costs $10. That’s per person. And then after midnight, it’s $20 because I’m staying up late. If you’re a couple and I take you to the same place, it’s only $20. It’s only $20 a ride.”

In addition to the flat rates, there’s an additional fee of $2 per mile once outside of city limits.

Ray hopes one day to spread to more services.

“I’d like to do, like if older people want to order groceries or anything, I’d be glad to go get groceries for them. Pick them up and deliver it to them,” Ray said. “I may even do, if people want rides to the airport or something, that just depends. It’s a little more expensive, by the mile after your town rate and then mileage.”

Those in need of a ride can contact Ray’s Taxi Cab at (641) 344-4224.