Yellow Cab of Binghamton Gives Its Final Rides
After decades of service in the Southern Tier, Yellow Cab of Binghamton is shutting down operations.
General manager Bruce Wilcox said the business will close as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. Drivers were informed of the decision by the firm's Colonie-based parent company on Monday.
Speaking in his office on State Street, Wilcox said several factors contributed to the demise of the local business.
Wilcox said many people - especially students - who utilized Yellow Cab in recent years have been increasingly using ride services like Uber and Lyft.
Wilcox also said local regulations, including Broome County licensing and inspection rules, posed big challenges.
Wilcox has been the manager of the Binghamton operation for the past four years. He joined the parent company 40 years ago.
After the company owner advised him last Friday of the decision to close down, Wilcox said he approached a couple of local businesses in an attempt to find a buyer but he was unsuccessful.
Monday was an emotional day for Wilcox as he informed the Binghamton drivers of the plan to close down.
The bottom line, he said, is there was "no more money to meet the payroll."
After Tuesday, the 24 Yellow Cab of Binghamton vehicles will be idle.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com
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