Posted: 5/4/05
By Aaron Vehling
When Rick and Kristen Wagsberg moved back to Rush City from Monticello two years ago they were wondering what sort of business to get into.
They kicked around a few ideas, including a coffee shop, a taxi service and a day care, all things they thought the Rush City-Pine City area needed. They started with the coffee shop.
The opening of Cabin Coffee's in Pine City had proven successful for the Wagsbergs. Soon the couple set forth on tackling their next business endeavor - the taxi service.
The Wagsbergs had heard a lot about people who needed transportation and at times had trouble finding it.
They hoped to remedy that. Two weeks ago the couple opened North Country Cab, a taxi service that runs between Rush City, Pine City and a variety of destinations in between.
ìWe want to help out seniors in the community,î Rick Wagsberg said.
Those who might be unable to pick up prescriptions easily would benefit from his service, he added.
Another crowd that would benefit is bar patrons. Wagsberg said he went around to bars and received positive reinforcement.
ìWe want to help people get home safely at night,î he said. ìThe taxi could help keep drunk drivers off the road.î
Contrary to what some may think, Wagsberg said, the bar patrons that he has toted around thus far were ìnice peopleî and seemed genuinely gracious that someone was there to drive them home safely.
Both Wagsbergs juggle their time between the coffee shop and driving the taxi. For now, they have just one car, a 2005 Chevy Impala, but they may add more cars in the future.
Rick Wagsberg said that although it is too early to be sure, should the business need to expand he will look into purchasing a van.
ìPeople say to me ëyou should have a van,íî he said.
Wagsberg said it was not too difficult to set up a taxi company, as such services are not regulated in this area.
Car insurance is quite expensive, though, he said. A fare costs a base rate of $3 plus $1.60 per mile. The Wagsbergs take Visa and Mastercard and also offer senior discounts.
For more information or to arrange for transportation service, call either (320) 629-1441 or toll-free (866) 629-1441.
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