J and M Taxi starts up in RR

Ken Johnston
Editor

“Taxi!”
Yes you can actually hail a cab in Rainy River again.
For several years now the community has been without taxis but retired CNR worker Jim Drennan and CN Hotel Manager Marion Brumwell have changed all that.
Last Monday they officially were licensed and insured to operate J and M Taxi in and around Rainy River. They currently have two taxis, a van and a car.
Jim, who grew up in Rainy River and moved back this past spring after retiring from the railway, said he needed something to keep him busy. He and Marion talked about starting a taxi business over the summer and with the hotel contemplating a shuttle service of its own, the idea seemed like a perfect fit for Rainy River.
The idea was first in Jim’s mind when he took his car to Pinewood to get a safety done and had to walk five miles. “There are no rides in this part of the district and everyone needs a ride,” said Drennan.
Brumwell noted that there is a program through the Healthy Communities Coalition that offers $5 coupons for taxi rides. “We have already put the wheels in motion with Gabe (at HCC) to apply for the program.”
Over the weekend both the Legion and CN Hotel utilized J and M Taxi for designated driver programs and they were busy.
Drennan said he has already spoken to camp owners in the Morson area and has found their response to be excellent.
They are charging a flat rate of $5 for rides in Rainy River and $15 to Baudette. The rate to Winnipeg for medical appointments is $325 return. That is also a flat rate and not per person.
Trips to Fort Frances are $100, Morson $70 and Emo $60.
They are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be reached at 852-4205 or by cell at 275-7147.
With the loss of the Greyhound bus line here last year, both Brumwell and Drennan think there is a need for this type of service here. They are also licensed to do courier work as well.
They are licensed for four drivers and hope that the service will warrant them hiring some drivers and possibly expanding their fleet.