Checker Cab Helps in Katrina Relief

Atlanta taxicab owners donate thousands in transportation vouchers
Local cab owners join forces with the Atlanta Police Department to provide transportation services for New Orleans public safety officers

Atlanta, Georgia – September 2005   ATLANTA TAXICAB COMPANY OWNERS ASSOCIATION and four of Atlanta’s major taxicab companies; Atlanta Checker Cab, Atlanta Lenox, Buckhead Safety Cab, and Yellow Cab are collectively donating thousands of dollars in transportation vouchers for distribution by the Atlanta Police Department. The vouchers will be used to provide transportation for those New Orleans public safety officers visiting Atlanta for respite purposes.

New Orleans has instituted a program to rotate public safety officers out of the hurricane zone for a few days of rest.  Atlanta Checker Cab president, Rick Hewatt, upon learning of the City of Atlanta’s effort to provide amenities for these officers coordinated contributions from fellow taxicab owners Terrence Powell , Bradley Stone, and Solomon Bekele for distribution by Atlanta Police Department’s VFH Director, Malachi Hull.

Mr. Hewatt hopes the collaborative effort of these owners will motivate others to donate services. He stated, “While support for displaced residents gains national momentum, more efforts should be made to address the needs of New Orleans’ public safety officers.  Police, fire, and rescue personnel face the daunting tasks of rescue, recovery, and rebuilding despite their personal losses.  I can’t imagine the despair these men and women have endured, or of the adversities to come, and I hope our contributions will help.”

Hopefully, the distribution of these vouchers by the Atlanta Police Department’s Vehicle for Hire Division will eliminate most of the individual transportation concerns of New Orleans’ public servants recuperating in Atlanta, but all transportation services within the city should be enlisted.  Director Malachi Hull of the VFH may be contacted to help coordinate services of other transportation companies that wish to aid in this endeavor.

Atlanta Checker Cab Company, in an effort to further aid citizens in the affected Gulf Coast disaster area, has donated $3,000 to the Taxicab, Limousine, & Paratransit Foundation. The TLPF, a non-profit charitable organization, is currently collecting donations for the Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. The donation by Atlanta Checker Cab president Rick Hewatt reinforces his belief of leading by example and he encourages the continued worldwide support for all the victims of this horrendous disaster.  Donations to the Katrina Relief Fund can be made by clicking on any of the following links.

About Atlanta Checker Cab
Atlanta Checker Cab has been serving the Atlanta and the Metro Atlanta area since 1947 with involvement in community services as well as passenger transport, package delivery, and corporate account services. 

A leader in public transportation, Atlanta Checker Cab has been internationally recognized with a number of national industry and operator awards. Consistent with its commitment of service to the public, the company has been recognized as the best cab company in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Atlanta Magazine.