08/18/2013
To: City of Tacoma
From: Dan Sibbett, President
Re: We had fun with Aloha Cab
The Best
In two years of doing business Aloha Cab has consistently been recognized as the best taxi business. We have unquestionably been the best in:
1. Both Driver and Customer Satisfaction
2. On time service
3. Fun and overall enjoyment of passengers
4. Safety of passengers
5. Cleanliness
6. Vehicle comfort and appeal
7. Service accessibility in snow (with 4 wheel drive)
8. Educating the passengers on the history of Tacoma
9. Community Involvement and excitement in the taxi business
10. Positive Media Exposure (Tacoma Business Matters, Komo News Story, King
11. Certainly the best: KARAOKE CAB
12. Giving back: (We have consistently volunteered at the Blood Bank and Food Bank, News Highlights include, Evening Magazine feature story and numerous newspaper stories) and given untold numbers of discounts to passengers in need.)
The Money
Having been a prior taxi driver, I knew there would be slim margins for profit. We knew nice SUV’s and karaoke systems would make the profit margin even tighter. Yet, we also knew the upgrades would help us be that overall best company in the state.
I have never taken a paycheck from Aloha Cab but reinvested back into the business. Two expensive government requirements have contributed to the decision to change our business.
1. Cameras in each vehicle
2. Dept of Labor and Industries changed their long established
rules, and targeted taxi- like businesses so that owner/operators
must pay to have themselves covered even if they already have personal insurance elsewhere.
(This alone has lead many companies to go out of business in Washington.) We have worked hard to be the best. We are grateful and thankful of the recognition. Still it has become obvious we either have to change our whole approach to the taxi industry or set lower standards.
Tacoma Hustle
True to Tacoma history, I am starting a new service. “You can’t stop the railroad” they used to say. I say, you cannot stop the Aloha. We have opened a dispatch company, and our
independent drivers are deciding whether or not they want to run a taxi (with new colors, registered to the owner op, who will use the Aloha dispatch company) and private car service.
Much of our work is already done on an hourly/flat rate, or contract structure. Drivers want to keep their current customer base, continue to hug every City block, spread the Aloha spirit
throughout every corner of the county, and most importantly, work hard to continue doing so. I am not sure how many taxi’s and how many private cars will contract with Aloha Dispatch when this is over. We will ensure both service and compliance, and continue to be Tacoma’s finest. Please bear with us through the transition.
On the Island of Oahu there are a few major Cab/Limo companies and many independents. They are all connected by one central dispatch company that always sends the closest vehicle to every call, matching specific needs (number of people, lots of luggage, VIP, off road/beach access, taxi tours, handicap, etc…). Because of the finicky tourist industry, and local flavor, arrival time for some, and personality for others is the goal. Here in pierce county, there are almost as many dispatch companies as taxi companies .We are going to be the change in the transportation business. We will start with contracting our dispatch service to our current independents, and then offer dispatch service to other independents, and small companies insuring service in our contracts. The Aloha principles will now simultaneously bear fruit in both the taxi and limo/for hire industry.
The City of Destiny is the City of hardworking people. I am honored to be counted among you. I will continue to hug the block, multiple times daily, I will continue to improve my service to you with unconditional Aloha.
