New Taxi Service Debuts In Downtown Hagerstown, Promises A Fun Ride


http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=16818

Reported by: Sarah Hopkins

Friday, May 16, 2008 @06:00pm EST

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Hagerstown now has a fleet of taxis, and they don't just give you a ride. They also entertain.

They’re a sign of a city working to grow. Hagerstown now has a cab service of its own.

It's one month after the city council approved taxicab stands. Now, real estate developer Mike Deming's newest venture, Downtown Taxi, is up and running. The service offers five cabs.

“We believe there's a tremendous demand, and we're going to move as quickly as we can to put as many vehicles on the road as we can,” Deming told NBC25.

Before, only a door-to-door sedan service was available. The difference now - patrons can hail marked cabs or they can pick them up at three cab stand locations. Two are located on Washington Street and one is still up in the air.

Taxi22008-05-16-1210977949.jpgWithin the next two months, the owners of Downtown Taxi hope to add a new element to the service. If you're out and you don't want to call for a cab, you can send a text message to request to have one pick you up wherever you might be.

“I know that that's a prevalent way of communicating now, and we feel like we needed to capitalize on that,” Deming said.

On long rides, patrons can watch a movie. On shorter trips, they'll see advertisements.

Deming added, “We have a number of businesses downtown, and we feel that there's a lot of synergies amongst the advertisements or the potential advertisements.”

“I think it can only help. It increases the activity around the square,” said Aaron Mace, who owns the Alter Ego store in downtown Hagerstown.

Deming says the cars will start off with set rates, but he hopes to move soon to a metered system.

The cabs will be in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The number for the services is 240-625-9920

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I think Deming is doing this because of the new Barbara Ingram school for the arts and his new real estate property coming downtown, what does anyone else think about this new venture by Deming? He sure is a tenacious and determined individual. Hats off to the Hagerstown City Council for passing the rights for Demcore to start this new venture. I just can't figure out why Aleshire and of course Penny Nigh were against it. Aleshire kept bringing up that "other cars might need the parking spaces". Aleshire, its everyones right to park in the spaces where the new downtown taxi cabs will operate, I mean thats why they built that big new garage behind Duffy's! Anyway, they passed it, so Aleshire can stop complaining. Also, is their such a demand for such a venture? We shall have to wait and see.

I didn't even need to read the article to know it was another Demming tenaciouos ( my word for the day) venture.

How much does the city get from this? That's right ZILCH, big surprise.

Mr. Demming sells it to the council as the best thing since sliced bread and they say ah yup, sounds good Mr. Demming you go right ahead, you want the keys to the city while you're at it.

God bless you all, we all need it.

Deming proposed this awhile ago, it seemed like there was in deed a void of service, and no one else was jumping in. Currently, there is a basic transportation service, not a taxi. It often requires booking ahead and even then holding your breath on if they will come or what they will be driving. I would hope top see a diversity of investors but that is not a pattern. I guess Deming is the guy with the money. And the one able to take a risk. So, that puts him ahead of some.
He is willing to use his money to buy the the cabs and apply for licenses. Cool.

Evidently, if you tie one on downtown there is a limited number of options for getting home. This venture will help those who find themselves unable to drive. And then during the day, I guess the new crowds downtown will be able to hail a cab. I figure if it works, great, if not, no big deal. I would like it to eventually cover the whole city so all city residents have a choice over a taxi or the current unreliable service. For right now, I think it is targeting the night spots, and businesses that operate during the day.

I think all the city is doing is giving a couple of signs and permission for small cab stands, one or two cabs at a curb spot. It would mean re-configuring one or two parking places. Does not look like a city venture. I figure the chance for success is is a 50-50 situation, we will have to see if the numbers are there to sustain it. We will see.

Looks like you would be able to call on the phone and maybe text a message to the dispatcher for a cab. I have to drive over to downtown so I would not need a cab. As I would need my car to get downtown. But for the person already downtown, it looks like an improvement. I guess there is a void, and Deming is willing to put up the money..........................Patton, you missed an investment opportunity.

It will give the out of town drug dealers a good way to zip around. Be less DC and NY plate cars cloggin the streets.

Why even bother posting such nonsense?

Patton - the city gets an alternative transportation service to what's already available. That seems pretty beneficial to me.

And let me ask you this. If you had a few too many to drink and didn't have a designated driver, would you:

A drive home
B get in one of those "transportation service" cars with shady drivers
C catch a ride in a safer, cleaner vehicle (assuming the service adheres to taxi service standards and compliances)

I don't always agree with Mike Deming, some of his decisions have baffled me, but I am glad to see that a service like this is finally available. I wouldn't care who did it; having lived in big cities, a reputable transportation service is a nice thing to have available when you need it.

I think it's a great idea and very savvy of him. There was a definite niche to be filled...I've only had to take a Hagerstown taxi (or should I say "Transportation Service") once in my life, years ago when my car broke down at the Dual Martin's, and it was really really REALLY gross. The driver was sketchy and unfriendly, and the inside of his car was filthy. I've seen these new taxis parked down here, and they look clean and professional from the outside. If the drivers are also clean and professional, AND people start coming downtown, it's got a good chance of success IMO.

Also, I think it's cool that you could text for a taxi to come pick you up. They're embracing modern technology there... though the more cynical of us might say that's only because Deming knows that Ava's is too noisy for someone to call for a taxi, that texting would make it easier to communicate your need for a ride in a loud bar.

Nice

I'm interested to see how much the fares will be. I see it's a set rate to start...then eventually metered fares.

Since I live downtown...I won't be using them as I can stumble to my place...but I do think there is a need for an actual taxi service just from what I witness at night with way too many people leaving Ava's and Duffy's that should not be driving.

Mike is just slowing taking over Hagerstown. Which is his right when he's dishing out the money.

It's all good...because you know...changeisgood.

There are plenty of other developers that own space and are contributing downtown. Skip Torvornik, John Laughlin, Don Bowman... to name a few.

One developer worthy of scrutiny is UGO Property Management.

I looked at office space on the 2nd floor of the Hamilton building and it was crappy and being rented as-is. There's no way in hell I'd have clients go there. I wondered why we couldn't see anything above that and I was told that it was filled up. After that, I'd heard that the floors above the 2nd floor are rundown and are littered with dead birds and the like. At any rate, I just had a feeling that the guy I was dealing with was a little shady. Just my gut feeling.

I've also heard that they've decided to change the lease on Bentley's and now Bentley's is looking for a new location. It sounded like Bentley's was trying to fight it, but they were essentially threatened to have powerful attorneys on them and be taken down by someone at UGO.

That's too bad. Lots of opportunity in the Hamilton building and they also own The Grand building, which could use some TLC as well on the inside. Do we have a second coming of Vincent Groh?

Sorry for the topic derailment.

Haha.

How about using them to transport drunk people from place to place...(from the Downtown Live myspace type person)...what a great idea!

"How much does the city get from this? That's right ZILCH, big surprise."



I am confused, does the city recieve a portion of profits from other businesses? What is your point?

No, but be careful what you wish for, it could end up like DC and have the Mayor regulating everything.

On several occasions i have witnessed people waiting outside of bars in Hagerstown for over 45 minutes waiting for a cab before finally giving up and driving home. I think this is a great business idea and if i had the money i would have done this several years ago. The current taxi service in our area is incompetent and thier customer service is horrid.
This will compliment Demmings other businesses nicely. I really don't understand your fear of a business person having success.

Simple they have communist tendancies. Everything for the government and you are wrong if you try to make money for yoruself. They try to justify what they say with all kinds of excuses but it is plain and simple Stalinistic.

Now that my friends is RICH!

I have no problem with Capitalism, I think it is the best system in the world.

My problem comes from everyone bending over for Mr. Demming.

Taxi services have to follow certain state accreditation regulations and standards. Miller Transportation and the like aren't taxi services. They are "transportation services", so the cars could be in any condition and the drivers could be questionable characters. I'd walk home before getting in one of those cars and there's no way I'd never put a lady in one of them.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.

Then why everytime Demming does something you want to know what the City is getting from it? He is a businessman out to make a profit like any other business man. Why is it that you feel the City has to "get something" from businesses?

Don't worry, I figured out what exactly the city is getting.

business men making money? Why, thats just horrible! We can't be letting people make money like this.

Anybody know anymore information about this so called Peach pub that moved into 43 South's location? Is it open?

Not open yet...but they are getting close.

If Deming can pull this off and make some money more power to him.

I don't think the city had to give him "the rights" to start this business, what the city did give him was some designated parking places during the day for his cabs.

Why would Aleshire have anything to say about this he's a County Commissioner?

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe changeisgood meant Alesia (or Penny).

Great idea considering the only means of transportation (other than public) in this town are a few 1984 Chevettes or a mini-van or two. And Patton, just for the record...you should really consider thinking before you chime in. Where does it read or state anywhere that business owners MUST split their earnings with city or county. I think paying property taxes and city taxes is quite enough. Did it ever cross your mind that they will be providing safe and reliable means of transportation to the citizens of this county? And know this...from the looks of things, Demcore is here to stay. Accept it.

Question conventional wisdom and authority!

I just like to question the "accepted" norm.

If you all want to bend over for Demacore, have at it.

I don't live in the "city", don't shop in the "city" and if I could convice the county offices to move out of there, I wouldn't need to go into the "city".

The thing I like about your little "city" is seeing it in my rearview mirror as I speed away.

Cool.
More power to the ones who come up with the ideas that make the money and provide a service. Go figure, the bead store is doing great.
Lord knows after one of my kids rode in one of those hillbilly cabs, I have no complaints about a business person starting a taxi company.

Sounds like a great idea and a much needed service. Why all the hate? Is it because Demming beat everyone to the punch? I find it absolutely baffling that people come down on this guy for running his business and turning a profit doing so. It seems like some citizens and local politicians would only be happy if he donated all profits to the city or went bankrupt. Once again someone who has a vision is crucified because he's not one of the good ole boys. Astounding!

You're a trip and your replies grow weaker by the day.

Bend over for Demcore? Exactly what the heck do you mean? You are sick man,.

Were were discussing the other week whether this cab idea for Demcore operating a new venture called "Downtown Taxi" would be viable. Well, it seems there is more than a demand....


http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaysto...amp;format=html



A new option for city fares

Downtown Taxi! also offers service to major airports


HAGERSTOWN - Downtown Taxi! in Hagerstown is off to a fast start after the business accepted its first fare a little more than a week ago.

Owner Mike Deming said the cab company is doing so well that he intends to hire more drivers to steer his five-car fleet. More cars will be added if the demand increases, he said.

Deming said he recently decided to open the business, in part, to cater to Hagerstown's growing population.

"I just felt like there was an opportunity," he said. "I think it will help the community."
advertisement

At this point, customers are charged set fares that are comparable to the city's existing transportation services, Deming said. Eventually, Downtown Taxi! will shift to a meter system.

In the meantime, Deming said he is selling advertising space on the exterior and interior of the cabs to business owners. Video screens on the backs of the front-seat headrests will display the ads to passengers sitting in the rear of the cabs.

Advertising rates range from $39 per month to $129 per month, according to a rate sheet provided by the company.

Deming said in addition to driving customers to destinations in Hagerstown, Downtown Taxi! will take customers elsewhere, including major airports in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, the Hagerstown City Council passed a motion to allow taxi stands at West Washington Street, just east of the County Commuter transfer point, and on East Washington Street, near the Alexander House, so the cabs will have a place to wait on fares.

The taxi stands will be open for use by Downtown Taxi! or any other cab company that chooses to open in the city, the council said.

To call Downtown Taxi!, dial 240-745-3633.

To rent advertising space with Downtown Taxi!, call 301-745-3633

I know someone with a shuttle service who has tons of business, shuttling people to the airports. I'd be surprised if it wasn't successful for this downtown taxi service too. I wonder if you'd have to arrange it in advance, or if you truly could call them and ask them to take you on a spur-of-the-moment trip to BWI.

I'm not trying to be negative or skeptical ...but honest to god....I hardly ever see these cabs downtown (aside from being parked on E Washington Street). The other night after Jah Works finished their set at Duffy's...I saw one go by. 1. Granted....Miller had only 1 as well...but still.

It's a good idea....just not sure I'm buying the demand line yet.

I agree with you, in fact I'm seeing them more in greater Hagerstown area than actually in Downtown.

I feel like there would be a demand. The few times I've been out in Hagerstown in the past year, it seems like this service was missing. I feel like everyone needs to consider that not every bar/downtown patron lives a couple miles from downtown. Wouldn't it make sense to see their cabs all over the county?

Some of the cabs I've taken after a night out in Baltimore have been interesting to say the least. I'm positive this *could* be better than 70% of the cabs I've ever taken and I always stick to the same few cab companies down here. I feel like the demand could be there, but time will tell.

Greater and Hagerstown in the same sentance. Now that's a hoot.

I saw one of the taxis at the Sharpsburg Parade, looked cool. A friend took a ride while downtown and commented on the great service. Quite a difference from the Hillbilly transportation service. Ny friend said after riding in both, he noticed a world of difference.

What?!?!

You people keep Demacore in H-burg. Don't let him loose on the rest of the county.

I don't understand this post.
Are you saying that you are disappointed that they are not doing a lousy business and that they should be lined up downtown?
Or are you disappointed that they are doing such a good business and that they are not lined up downtown?
Also, are they only supposed to be for people who live downtown and they're not allowed to leave the downtown area?
And why is it ok for Miller to have only one cab and not DTown Taxi?
Really, I don't understand.







On another note....why is there such animosity on here towards someone who actually wants to give Htown an alternative to Turner's and Miller's?
I don't get it. hmmm...let's see...nasty dirty cab verses clean cab. What's the problem?
I would think that people would prefer clean to the dirty.

Hmm the recent threads make me wonder: how long will it be before there are charges of racism and refusal to adequately serve certain areas of Hagerstown? There being limited numbers of these cabs, I'l bet they're going to want to serve only certain areas, and that kind of thing usually leads to valid charges of discrimination.

I'm sure they are already being formulated B.

All I'm saying is I'm not buying the fact that there is a huge demand for the new cabs yet as Deming insisted in his interview in the article that was posted. The fact that there were only two cabs (one Downtown taxi; one Miller) on a high volume night as Duffy's let out...leads me to believe there isn't much of a demand right now.

When I say they are lined up downtown on E Washington st....it's because they are parked and not looking for fares. Not because they are lined up for riders.

Business for Downtown Taxi will pick up over time...just don't feed the BS line about business is good. It's not good. Yet.

Devils advocate here---- If you only saw 1 cab maybe the others were out with fares???

SEE! Thats what I was thinking! I couldn't figure out why the fact that there was only 1 cab there was such a big deal. The other(s) were on a run.(?)

I've been seeing these darn things everywhere around town, so they are getting around. I always notice them because of the big white warts on the top of them. I guess they are for signs and ads, but they are all blank. And they seem too big for the mid-size sedans they use.

Actually, the taxi business is doing really good.

Yeah Sman, they're for ads (which to my understanding they've been very successful at selling). I guess they're in the process of getting created. And I agree... too big.

Agree with 100%, its true these cabs are showing up everywhere in town and elsewhere, I also think the taxi's business downtown will pick up over time. I understand it will take time, and I understand what you have been through, and blame the city for all your troubles of the constr4uction noise, and Bowman Development. Patton needs to calm down and realize were not trying to gang up on him in any way. He's a commenting a little tense.

Did you mix your pills up yesterday? WTF was that?

You keep your beloved down villa and all will be fine.

Don't you just love how some people think they have a right to tell you how you can post? As if it's not bad enough that they attack your opinions, they have to get personal and say "you're too tense" or worse. How about if we respect one anothers right to speak freely and without being personally attacked for it? How about if we stick to expressing our own thoughts about the issues and presenting reasoned counterpoint relevent to the topic of discussion if necessary? Wow what a radical idea that must be.

To wit: with this Taxi service, I say if they can turn a profit at it, more power to 'em. Hagerstown may not be a very big city, but if this is a service that people will pay enough for that they can do it succesfully, then they must be doing their customers a valuable service. How can that not be good?

Here, here. I need a taxi and I don't even live in Haterstown. If you pick up Scottie though, drop him off in Clear Spring.