London-style Cab Turning Heads Around City
July 8, 2009
NEWBURYPORT (USA) — Mike Early has gotten used to the stares. In fact, he hardly notices them anymore.
It comes with the territory when you drive around Newburyport in a small, maroon London taxicab.
Early, 59, a retired lawyer, started his transportation service, London Livery, late last month. But it was an idea he first came up with about a dozen years ago. Formerly from Haverhill, Early has lived in Newburyport for the last six years.
Having been to London numerous times and ridden in their taxis, he felt Newburyport would been an "ideal venue" for such a service, despite the two taxi companies, trolleys, tour vans and pedicabs already rolling on city streets.
Calling the city an "eclectic community," Early felt Newburyporters would appreciate the unique taxicab and the chance to drive in a traditional London taxi. Time constraints from a hectic life and the expensive cost of a new taxicab — about $40,000 — kept Early from pursuing his idea.
Until now.
Having retired a few years ago, Early said the business is something he can do together with his son, Alex, 23, for the summer, before Alex joins AmeriCorps in the fall.
He was able to purchase a 2005 model from the London taxi company's U.S. subsidiary in Chicago at a discounted price. It arrived in Newburyport a few weeks ago. It has been adapted to meet the American roadway and meets all American safety standards and regulations.
So far, he said, he's getting a good reaction.
"It turns heads everywhere it goes," he said yesterday.
As a "livery" service, as opposed to a taxi service, customers must reserve a ride with Early. He plans to keep his trips short and local, rather than driving to the airport or places a distance away.
On Saturday, he's booked for a wedding. He's been in contact with the Governor's Academy about providing transportation services to their students.
With a cab that's fully handicapped-accessible and has a wheelchair ramp, Early is also pursuing the possibility of providing services for wheelchair users who rely on Council on Aging vans, which only run certain hours.
The cab can hold five passengers comfortably, or even fit six, Early said.
"They're really incredible vehicles," he said. "It's really very unique."
London Livery can be reached at 978-462-4442 and operates between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
Source; TheDailyNewsonline - newburyportnews.com
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