New taxi-delivery business on call 24/7 in Springville area

Although he recently underwent open heart surgery to replace a faulty valve, West Valley’s John Andrus is far from ready to retire. But returning to his truck-driving job was not something he was interested in doing, either. His solution? Start a business he said he feels is greatly needed in the Springville area.

Andrus has clocked more than 3 million miles during his extensive experience driving taxis, charter and school buses and trucks, so he created a business that utilizes the skills he has spent a lifetime cultivating.

Springville Taxi and Delivery, Andrus’ brain child, officially launched on July 5 and now offers residents of not only Springville, but the entire surrounding community, a 24-hour, seven day per week taxi and delivery service with transportation to locations as close as right down the street and as far away as the Niagara Falls airport. “I’ve been kicking this idea around for a while and I just sent letters out to about 50 businesses in the area to get a feel,” Andrus said. “I did not get one negative comment. People have been very supportive.”

Customers can utilize the business’s cell phone dispatch to call on Andrus for a ride to the locations of their choice. Andrus said he is also available for charter service and, because he equipped his seven-passenger 2005 Grand Caravan SXT with Stow and Go® seats, can also carry freight. “It’s loaded,” he said, of his vehicle, which is furnished with GPS, front and back air conditioning and stereo systems. “I want people to be comfortable.” A roof rack provides capacity for even more storage.

While elderly and low-income residents of Springville have a service of this ilk that they can utilize, Andrus pointed out that Springville Taxi and Delivery is available to individuals of all ages and income levels. “There is not a service that caters to the businesses of the area or the middle class,” he said. “There are 8,000 people in the town of Concord alone. I am available for all of them.” His 24/7 business allows customers to obtain transportation at any time of day.

“With the high cost of gasoline and, for instance, high parking fees at the airport, a ride to and from might be a lot more cost efficient,” Andrus said. “Businesses would be offered emergency delivery 24/7. This would include factories, lawyers, prescription delivery and any other type of delivery needed.” He said that the physicians and hospitals he has already been in contact with “got all bubbly” when he announced the creation of this service. “I am 8 miles from the center of town,” he said. “People who are taken in an ambulance need a ride home and now they won’t have to wake up their relatives to come get them in the middle of the night.”

He added that he views his service as invaluable for many other types of businesses, as well. “I’m here for lawyers and other businesses that use couriers for emergency paperwork and freight,” he said. “I will go wherever people want.”

Payment is calculated per 1/10th of a mile, with gas included. Taking into consideration the fact that fewer and fewer people carry cash, Andrus accepts all major credit cards, as well as cash payments.

Plans are already underway for the business’s expansion. Andrus said he intends to hire up to five contractors to drive for Springville Taxi and Delivery and invited interested parties to contact him immediately. “I envision having a limo available for weddings and prom season,” he said, adding that he would also like to acquire a wheelchair-equipped van and a delivery truck. “The more business I get, the more people I can put to work,” he said.

Andrus said he has always enjoyed interacting with the individuals he transports. “I love people,” he said. “I always get along well with people. I could write a book about my experiences.”

As he has watched Springville grow and expand, Andrus said he just wanted to “jump on the bandwagon and go. I feel better than I have in years. I don’t want to sit around.” He has lived in West Valley for the past six years and stays active in his community fishing, golfing and participating as the assistant pastor at Riceville Community Church.

Springville Taxi and Delivery can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days per week, at 560-8748.