Union Cab is a worker cooperative, each worker shares a vested interest as a member owner.
How did Union Cab begin? In 1979, ex-Checker cab workers who were on strike, resolved to create a worker owned taxi company. On October 29, 1979, Union Cab of Madison Cooperative, Inc. opened for business with eleven new cabs.
Bill Carter, Business Manager for the co-op, described how in the 1990’s, Union Cab lost business to Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber, which provide transportation services at a much lower cost. Unlike cabs, TNC’s do not have to provide service 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and have fewer expenses, like maintaining a vehicle fleet.
The TNCs hurt revenue, but the pandemic slowed down work for everyone, especially cab companies. Union Cab had to lay off drivers.
Union Cab grew again with the arrival of Family Care in Dane County. This state program required more accessible transportation for people with disabilities. Union Cab put more drivers to work.
The loss of other cab companies made Union Cab the largest taxi fleet in Madison. Zerology, a tech company that helps people find eco-friendly transportations, bought other struggling cab companies, and attempted to buy Union Cab.
But throughout these struggles, Union Cab is committed to Madison. The Mission and Vision statement says it tall.
Thirty-two years ago, a taxi strike led to the formation of a work-owned and operated cab company. For more information visit unioncab.com.
Story by Carol Weidel. Photo courtesy Union Cab Co-op. Web production by Anyu Li.
