University Taxi owner appealing decision [The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.]

Dec. 23--University Taxi owner Jim Price is appealing an administrative law judge's decision that prevents him from opening a second cab company in Morgantown.

Price filed a written exception to the ruling -- which denied Price a certificate to operate in the area -- with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) earlier this week.

"My bottom line is emphasizing the fact the administrative law judge clearly erred in his decision and getting it overturned," he said. "Everyone knows there's truly a need [for a second cab company] there."

Price also submitted an agreement between himself and his partner Doug Brady to the PSC, but Brady did not sign the document. Brady also owns Doug's Towing, in Westover.

Price said he is the administrative manager of the cab company and as such, he handles all the paperwork. Brady's signature was not necessary, he said.

Brady said he was told only one signature was needed -- but he did agree to work with Price to get University Taxi up and running, if it is approved.

"We do need another cab company," he said. "One is not enough." He added that running a second cab company in the area would be profitable.

An administrative law judge ruled earlier this month that Price was not fit to run a cab company.

PSC spokeswoman Martina Bills said the commission will review Price's exception and decide to do one of three things -- send the case back to the administrative law judge for further review, deny the exceptions or decide to take on the case itself. There is no deadline for a decision.

Price said he hoped a decision would be made quickly.

In his ruling, Administrative Law Judge Keith A. George cited Price's financial standings and criminal history as reasons he denied the certificate. Price lives with his parents, makes minimum wage and is responsible for child support payments. He also has convictions for false swearing, driving under the influence and destruction of property.

According to Price's written exception, his current financial standing is ir relevant because he will leave his current job if University Taxi's certificate is approved.

He estimates the cab company will make $360,000 in net profit its first year.

Price also said his convictions aren't relevant -- the DUI charge happened before Price was granted a certificate to open a cab company in Fairmont and he pleaded "no contest" to the other two charges.

Brady didn't attend the PSC's October hearing because Price didn't think it was necessary, he said. The hearing wasn't about whether he was fit to run the company, Price said -- it was about whether the service Yellow Cab provides to the area is inadequate.

Prior to the partnership agreement, Price was the sole owner of University Taxi. The agreement was dated Dec. 12.

According to the agreement, Brady will provide all motor vehicles that will be used as taxi cabs, as well as insurance and any necessary maintenance. Brady is also responsible for providing an office for University Taxi and the driver training. Brady said the cab company could operate out of space he owns near Doug's Towing.

Brady and Price will split all net profits of University Taxi 50/50, the agreement states.

Yellow Cab owner Robert King did not respond to The Dominion Post in time for this report.

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