Austin Approves Early Taxi Licenses
- City officials met to exclusively review and approve licenses for "public service cars."
- Several individuals received permission to operate these vehicles, which functioned as early taxi or jitney services in Austin.
- Licenses were granted for a variety of popular car models of the era, including Fords, Studebakers, and Kissel Kars, with some operators licensed for multiple vehicles.
- All applications for these new transportation services were unanimously approved by the attending members.
Full Transcript
240 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, April 10, 1918.
The Council met with all members present except Councilman Powell.
Public Service car licenses Applications for licenses to operate Public service cars were laid before the Council, from the following persons: John A. Rosengren, Deep Eddy, Ford car, State Highway Department number, 132914. J. C. Cooper, 108 East Seventh street, Ford Sedan No. 190326, and Ford touring car No. 201714 (two licenses). P. C. Wall, 1610 Brazos street, 7 passenger Studebaker, No. 132063. Will Thomson, 917 Westlyn street, 7 passenger Kissel Kar, No. 4449 (factory). Robert F. Jones, 1015 Willow street, 7 passenger Reo, No. 193657. and Chandler, No. 15218 (factory)(two licenses). Ed A. Meyer, 300 East Ninth street, Studebaker, No. 178635. C. E. Joyce, RFD No. 6, Box 6, Austin, 3 Ford cars, Nos. 233414, 187411 and 194793 (three licenses). All of the licenses asked for, as indicated and enumerated above, were granted by the following vote: Yeas--Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Anthony, Bartholomew, and Haynes, 4; Councilman Powell being absent. The Council then adjourned.
V.E. [illegible] [illegible] Clerk