Callawegians have a new way to get around.
Last week, H&R Taxi tarted operating primarily in Fulton and Kingdom City, according to owner and driver Rickey Lacey.
He added he is willing to pick up customers anywhere in the state, including airports. Lacey brings nine years of experience to the job.
"I saw an ad for a taxi company in Columbia, called, and was hired on the spot," he said. "I have been driving ever since."
Lacey said the poor quality of the Columbia taxi services inspired him to strike out on his own.
"The companies in Columbia were pretty terrible," he said. "So, I started my own and it really took off.
Lacey said business was going well, but he started to lose business after Uber came to town.
"The college kids all wanted to use Uber instead," he said. "We got down to only three or four vehicles before we had to call it quits."
Lacey decided that Fulton would be a better location for his business, and said that it was easy to get it going.
"I just needed to get a business license," he said. "I already had the van."
His white and purple polka-dot van can take fares wherever they need to go within Missouri, all for a reasonable price, Lacey said. His only stipulation is that if a customer lives outside of Fulton or Kingdom City, they must pay up front.
"We can take you anywhere in the state," he added. "It's $3 to get in, and then $3.50 per mile."
Lacey said that his rate, especially to other towns, is negotiable.
"We can cut people breaks," he said. "It would usually be about $90 to get to Columbia, but I would charge around $50 instead."
By balancing different shifts with his wife, Heather, the service is available 24 hours a day, Lacey said.
Lacey added he is optimistic about the role of taxi services in the state.
"Missouri passed a law requiring Uber drivers to have the same taxi insurance I do," he said. "I don't think that they will be able to afford that, but taxis have always needed it. Taxis will be on the rise again."
Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton said the taxi brings a much needed service to the city.
"One of the things we have continued to identify is the lack of public transportation (in Fulton,)" he said. "We are excited they are coming, and we want them to be successful."
If you would like to book a ride from Lacey's H&R Taxi, call 573-310-3357.