El Dorado-born Robert Moore’s dream of owning and operating a certified taxi service is a goal he has been working towards for years but has only recently been realized.
“I started when I was 16, but I didn’t have the money for all of the certificates. But I just kept doing it until I could save enough money. When I did that, I was given credentials and everything to start my business, ”said Moore.
When he first started, Moore viewed the job as a pastime.
“It was just really fun, but everyone kept telling me to get a real license that it could be a nice, legitimate business. I brainstormed and went to town hall to talk and study; They helped me with a booklet to read and things like that. And I just kept saving money, ”said Moore
Moore actually received his certifications to operate in Union County and across the state last August, but needed repairs, including an all-new engine for his vehicle, which until recently prevented him from getting started in earnest.
Now Moore is officially in business with Rob Dogg’s Taxi Cab Service. The name is derived from Moore’s nickname, which his best friend gave him as a teenager and has remained loyal to him ever since.
His current clientele ranges from visitors who need a ride from the airport to older people who have to be brought to a doctor’s appointment to younger people who just want to get from A to B.
“I have older people, younger people; lots of different people calling. People keep calling from the local airport, have to go to a motel … I take people to doctor appointments and just try to help wherever I can, ”said Moore.
Its taxi service charges $ 20 for one ride anywhere in El Dorado with an additional $ 2 for each stop along the way. He’s also certified and ready to work across Arkansas.
At the moment Moore runs his taxi service alone, takes calls and picks up passengers in his Ford Expedition. However, he has plans to expand into other businesses beyond taxi service.
“I will soon be opening a limousine service and a breakdown service for El Dorado and the surrounding community. We don’t have a lot of it here, so I’d like to bring a few cars here to help people who break down, ”said Moore.
He also wants to make ministry a family matter.
“I have a son who will soon be 15 so I want to teach him everything I know in a year or two and hopefully he will start driving [a taxi] too, ”said Moore.
Moore said his certifications will allow him to eventually add up to 12 cars to his service and hire other drivers.
While looking forward to expanding and meeting his future business goals, Moore said he is excited to offer his taxi service in El Dorado for the time being.
“I’m grateful to be able to start my business and really grateful to serve the community. It has been a real blessing to keep my LLC and I’m really happy about it, ”said Moore.
Rob Doggs Taxi Cab Service can be reached at (870) -310-0876 or on Facebook at Roberts Taxi Cab Service.