“In this time when the economy is slow we have to help the community and the government,” Ivan Lee, Stocklots Saipan Inc. manager, told Variety.
He said he knew that some taxis are operating illegally and have no licenses, but the government is now going after unlicensed taxi operators.
Lee said they even affixed stickers of Stocklots Saipan on their units so that the community will be aware of their existence.
Stocklots Saipan, he said, has already obtained a license for taxi as well as pick-up and delivery services from the Department of Commerce.
Contrary to the allegation of the Saipan City Taxi Association, Lee said they don’t operate at the airport and hotels.
“We only pick up passenger when called for services,” he said.
Lee admitted they have to stop temporarily their operations, pending the completion of their requirements.
He said they need to hire local or immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, and that their taxi drivers must also get a license before they can operate their units.
He said despite the economic crisis, “we have to find way to attract passengers and customers.”
Stocklots Saipan is charging a minimum of $3 per passenger within the downtown area, which is $2 charge less than the regular fare of the Saipan City Taxi Association members.
Lee said their customers are usually local residents and guest workers.
Saipan City Taxi Association members, he added, focus on tourists.
According to Lee, their business is not only for taxi services — they also provide pick-up and delivery of merchandise and other services.
Lee said he is willing to talk with the other taxi operators to enlighten them about the good intention of his business.
“We are a legitimate business operator and we just want to help the community,” he added.
He said if the demand for their services increases, Stocklots Saipan will definitely add more taxi units to serve the public.
