How to Start a Taxi Service for Seniors

One thing that many seniors need is safe transportation.  They need to get back and forth to the grocery store, to the doctor or just to visit friends and family.  Seniors are creatures of habits and loyal customers.  Starting a taxi service for this special population could be a lucrative business if you are willing to take the right steps.

• Secure the financing that you need for your vehicles - You will need to purchase several vehicles that have room enough to accommodate the seniors and any adaptive equipment that they may have such as wheelchairs and walkers.  Mini vans or mini buses are suggested that have doors that open on both sides that will give seniors with mobility issues easy access. You may want to invest in a van that has a wheelchair lift that will allow you to accommodate a senior that cannot get out of their wheelchair.


• Submit the required documentation for your permits and business license - Ensure that you are meeting both the local, state and federal guidelines to legally operate a taxi service.


• Purchase high levels of comprehensive insurance - This will protect you, your business and your clients in the case of an accident.


• Purchase taxi meters - This will allow you to record reliable records for the purposes of charging your passengers as well as maintaining your records for tax purposes.


• Hire additional drivers - Ensure that you have coverage for all of your vehicles.  Seniors tend to have appointments during the same blocks of time during the day.  Ensure that you can meet the needs of your clients.


• Market your business to seniors and senior communities - Various senior centers, retirement homes and senior communities may allow you to post information, signs or flyers.  Research and look for other places that seniors congregate.  Consider offering a discount the first few months that you are open to drum up business.