Former Liberty Cab drivers start new...

CHICO, Calif. - There's a new cab in Chico, but these might look familiar.

Just months after Liberty Cab went out of business after serving Chico for 12 years, some of its drivers have officially launched a new cab company.

The former Liberty Cab drivers bought three taxi's from their former boss and transformed Liberty Cab into Star Taxi.

"I just want to drive. I don't know, it's so simple, I love driving," said Erik Schmidt, co-owner of Star Taxi.

That's exactly what he and the other owner, Shawn Heater, plan to do. Schmidt said he only got five days notice from Liberty Cab that he would no longer have a job back when they closed in April.

Now, he and two former drivers are back to serve the city.

"I just hope we can be the new Liberty, I just hope we can make it," Schmidt said.

The taxis have the same look, with a new name. Three drivers are ready for duty 24 hours a day.

They even deliver. Schmidt brought an Icee to a Chico man named Richard Kisling, who can't drive. "It's pretty valuable [to me,] said Kisling. "I can call [the taxi] that particular day to go somewhere and back and with [another transportation option] I'd have to make arrangements beforehand."

It's the kind of bedside manner Schmidt said sets Star Taxi apart from other taxi companies and from the ride share options like Uber.

"Most of our demographic doesn't have smart phones," Schmidt said. "Our average customer is probably about 40 or 50 years older than the average Uber user."

The elderly or disabled make up about 80 percent of their business, which is slowly but surely on the rise.

"Today I feel better," said Schmidt. "I was really scared, but we get about four or five more calls every day which is good right?"

It's a continuing improvement. The three hit the road July 13 with only six calls a day and now they're up to almost 25 a day just a week and a half later.

Enough business means they'll be adding two more cabs sooner than later.

"I'm all in. I've sold everything I could possibly sell. I just put everything I have, it's gonna work," said Schmidt.

The local business is asking for local help. Anyone who needs a ride is welcome to call Star Taxi at 530-466-8899. Schmidt said they're still working out some kinks in their call system. If that number doesn't work, call 530-966-0439.

Schmidt said their former employers with Liberty Cab are fully supporting the new business. The average taxi can cost up to $5,000, but they're buying the already branded Liberty Cabs at a discounted rate of about $1,200.

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Former Liberty Cab drivers start new service in Chico - KRCRTV.COM