INDIANAPOLIS — Dick Hunt, owner of the Indianapolis Yellow Cab Company, bet big on bringing luxury taxis to the streets of Indianapolis in 1984.
“This is one of the first of its kind in the country,” said Dick Hunt. “We are always trying to improve our image in the taxi industry and this is one way we are doing that.”
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Forty years ago, Mr. Hunt added 50 new cars from General Motors to his 212-taxi fleet. But the additions were not just cars, but luxury vehicles such as the Cadillac DeVille, Buick Park Avenue, and Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
The move was part of a GM program in which Indianapolis Yellow Cab Co. tested the performance of new, smaller models.
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Feedback from the company’s drivers was positive.
“I think when they get in a Cadillac, they’re a little more satisfied with the ride,” said taxi driver Jim Kennington. “A lot of people have never been in a Cadillac, much less a new car. It puts them in a good mood.”
One of those riders echoed the same sentiment to WRTV reporter Derrick Thomas.
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“It’s brand new and really smooth to drive,” Ryder said.
According to Thomas’ report, luxury taxis were assigned to taxi drivers based on seniority and driving experience.
