New taxi service rolls into Mission Valley
Driving ‘n thriving
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POLSON — Although the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact countless businesses across the state, local entrepreneur Demetrius Joslin decided that there was no better time than now to start a new business.
Polson Taxi began taking calls for around-the-clock service in Polson and the surrounding area back in mid-July. Joslin and his brother got the idea to start a taxi service a couple of years ago but never developed it.
“I grew up in and around the Mission Valley,” said Joslin. “After moving away, I would come back and visit my brother. We could seldom get a taxi when we wanted to go out. And when we could get one, the experience was not a good one.”
After returning to the valley to live, Joslin said the taxi business idea resurfaced as friends and family members began saying that they were having a difficult time finding transportation to places like the grocery store or medical appointments.
“I soon realized that there was still a very noticeable need for a community taxi service,” said Joslin, “especially in Polson.”
In early July, Joslin became motivated to take action after having a conversation with a Polson downtown business owner. The owner mentioned that he had been searching for a way to get his customers home safe but that there was nothing reliable in town.
“Within a week, I had a couple cars in town ready to go,” said Joslin.
Joslin acknowledged that acquiring a car was the least difficult part of the new business startup. “It wasn’t easy at first,” said Joslin. “Obtaining insurance and licensing is kind of a lengthy process (and) expensive. Also, COVID-19 definitely put us behind the eight-ball from the start.”
After picking up his first fare, Joslin found himself a little busier than he initially estimated. “The community has been great,” Joslin said. “We were received really well and got off to a great start our first month. It was super clear that everyone was waiting on a quality taxi to begin service in the area.”
Demand increased Polson Taxi’s fleet, which has doubled and now includes late-model SUVs with plenty of seating and room for groceries, child seats and other things people might want to bring along.
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Polson Taxi has also experienced an increasing demand for home deliveries. “Our main service of course is taxi transportation,” said Joslin. “We also do food and store deliveries. If a customer wants a food delivery, they can order for pickup and let their restaurant of choice know that Polson Taxi will be picking it up.”
In regards to the coronavirus, Joslin said his drivers are wearing masks when driving passengers and cleaning their vehicles both between riders and at the end of each workday.
Polson Taxi service is available Monday through Sunday, 24-hours a day.
To request a ride or delivery services, customers may call Polson Taxi at 406-407-2738 or by completing the online request form found at www.polsontaxiservices.com. Riders can also hail a ride directly via phone by downloading the free Polson Taxi mobile app off Google Play or the Apple App Store.
