Company's employees seek business licenses

Employees of Radio Cab appear to be taking out individual licenses, prompting some speculation that one of the city's biggest cab companies might have a change in status.

Augusta License and Inspections Department Director Rob Sherman said Friday longtime drivers of Radio Cab are applying for business licenses as independent cab companies, but he had not heard of any announced changes.

"It's only what we're hearing," Mr. Sherman said. "We don't know it's a fact. But we believe it to be so."

Richmond County sheriff's Sgt. Clifford Seago, who inspects cabs for the county, said he spoke with Radio Cab owner Ed Douglass' son earlier this week, who he said indicated the cab company could be closing soon. More than 15 cab drivers called Sgt. Seago on Friday requesting information about getting a business license and working with other cab companies.

"They were all upset," he said. "I'm sorry they're losing their jobs with Masters coming up."

Radio Cab's contract with Fort Gordon ends Monday and will not be renewed, said James Green, who handles commercial taxi cab contracts for Fort Gordon. Radio Cab had held a contract with Fort Gordon for more than 15 years, Mr. Green said.

A new contract was awarded to Checker Cab, who will begin serving Fort Gordon on Tuesday.

"Radio Cab did not submit a proposal for a contract," Mr. Green said. "We are looking for a better level of service, and apparently Radio Cab wasn't willing to step up to the plate."

A message left at Radio Cab was not immediately returned Friday night.

Staff Writer Sylvia Cooper contributed to this story

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.