Owner’s goal is to have three vehicles on the road by late September
By: Linda Seida
A new taxi company’s "blink of an eye" service was inspired by "Star Trek," but its clients won’t have to say "Beam me up, Scotty!" to be transported from one place to another.
"Growing up, I loved ‘Star Trek.’ They moved from place to place in the blink of an eye," said Bob Gerenser, of New Hope. "That’s what I’m hoping to do for people. No muss, no fuss."
Mr. Gerenser’s company, Star Voyager Transporter Systems LLC, will operate taxis under the name Star Taxi. He said the new service fills a need in the area because there hasn’t been a taxi in operation in central Bucks County for more than a year.
The service began with one taxi in late August. Mr. Gerenser’s goal is to have three vehicles on the road by late September, and a total of five by the end of January.
Star Taxi’s territory will include New Hope, Doylestown and Newtown as well as other areas of Central Bucks between the Delaware River and the Montgomery County border. Mr. Gerenser also would like to bring the taxi service to Lambertville, and he said he intends to discuss the plan with the mayor and the City Council.
In a walking town like Lambertville, Mayor David Del Vecchio said he isn’t certain how much need there will be for the service, but he’s willing to listen to the concept.
Mr. Gerenser already sees his taxis filling a local need.
"There is a crying need for this service," he said. "We have so many new residents that have fled northern New Jersey and Manhattan. They never got their licenses, or they are terrified of our jungle roads and wildlife."
He also pointed out the aging senior population, saying they are "incredibly independent," but often for a variety of reasons cannot drive themselves anymore. They still need transport to a doctor’s office or hospital, or a grocery or drug store. Eventually, the taxi service also will take calls to retrieve a prescription or grocery order that has been filled and is waiting for pick up, Mr. Gerenser said.
Another niche for the taxi service is the hospitality industry, Mr. Gerenser said. Restaurants are "suffering business-wise because people are afraid to come out and have two glasses of wine or beer with dinner," he said. They don’t want to risk a DUI charge.
Then there’s the segment of the population that has already lost driving privileges but still needs to get to work or a job interview, Mr. Gerenser said.
Star Taxi can be reached at 215-862-2660.

