Hearing on taxi rate increase stirs talk of competition

A public hearing on a proposed rate increase for Checker Cab Company veered into a discussion on cab competition, which some view as needed in Jefferson City.

At the hearing Tuesday, four residents, two representatives of Checker Cab Company and finance director Steve Schlueter gathered to get public input on the proposal.

Alan Cooper, owner of a cab company in Columbia, said the real issue is a matter of competition. Cooper said he has been trying to open another service in Jefferson City, but has been unable to do so.