Changes made in on-post taxi service

Under a policy that took effect at Fort Gordon on Tuesday, only taxi cabs with proper identification will be allowed on the installation.

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Authorized cabs "will have a medallion that will change each month," said James T. Green, the director of Fort Gordon's Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The contract was officially awarded to Checker Cab on March 27; the contract that Radio Cab held for many years expired Monday, he said.

Fort Gordon had hoped to install a cab contract similar to one at Fort Benning, Ga., which allowed more opportunities for independent taxi operators. The post opened up bidding last summer. Forty individual drivers picked up applications, he said, but only 17 of them turned in the required paperwork. None of the independents met the stringent requirements, including a stipulation that cabs be no more than 5 years old, he said.

Another opportunity for bids on the contract was opened in December. Radio Cab, he said, did not submit a bid.

Green said any noncontract taxi arriving at Fort Gordon will be diverted to Gate 1 and required to let the passenger out at the visitor's center parking lot next to the gate. The cab will not be allowed on post. The passenger will be required to take an approved cab onto the base.

"We felt it necessary to take this measure to preclude any rogue cab operators off the installation," he said.

Green said the five-year contract requires that at least 20 cabs be available during the week and 30 on weekends.

The new contractor will provide a discount on rates in return for the exclusive contract. Soldiers will be subject to a fixed rate that depends upon their destination, according to Marla Jones, a spokeswoman for Fort Gordon.

To ensure that the new contract is upheld, a Fort Gordon employee will provide quality assurance and monitor any complaints.

Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.