As small businesses across the province closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, four men weren’t deterred from launching NB City Cab.
One of the owners, Malachai Seru, says the taxi business was scheduled to open sooner but it was delayed a month after the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was planned before the pandemic,” he said.
NB City Cab held off starting the business until it seemed the curve was flattened with the virus in the North Battelford area.
Transportation, however, is essential for many residents with no other means of transportation.
“A taxi is the only way people without cars, (seniors), and others have for transportation from work to home or hospitals, and doctors appointments so we thought it’s an essential service that we should provide for our community and surrounding area.”
NB City Cab is located at 2112-100 Street in North Battleford.
Seru, an experienced cab driver, said he saw a need for another taxi business in the Battlefords area.
“Our population is growing every day, people coming from other provinces and other countries.”
NB City Cab is following all health protocols set out by Saskatchewan Health Authority to contain the spread of COVID-19. Drivers wear personal protective equipment. Barriers were installed in the cabs between the driver and passenger. In addition, they have hand sanitizer, wipes, air spray and masks.
“After every passenger gets out we sanitize the car and spray the car, ready for the next customer,” said Seru. “It’s for our protection and for the customer’s protection.”
NB City Cab has five cars and five drivers during the day and two drivers hired so far for the night shift.
“We’re still looking for drivers,” said Seru. “Three to four drivers.”
Seru came to Canada in 2003 from Fiji and drove taxi for Crown Cab in North Battleford for the last six years and the enthusiasm in his voice with the launch of his new business venture is noticeable as he says, “I know the city and I know the people.”
