“Hello, it’s the taxi.” That’s the greeting Jill Privett, owner/operator of Xóots Taxi, gives to those calling for a ride.

Privett made the decision to start up her taxi business in October. She had previously driven for Johnny Cab and enjoyed the experience, but after that and several other part-time experiences, she decided to work for herself. It’s going so well, she’s working to add a second cab to her fleet and expand her crew of drivers.

As to whether there is enough business to sustain her expansion plans: “Yes! Oh, yes! If your primary mode of transportation is your feet, Wrangell is a big town.”

Some people prefer a taxi when the roads become less navigable due to weather conditions, as with the recent snowstorms. Having grown up in Wrangell, Privett is confident about driving in all kinds of weather conditions.

She’s rarely had to turn down a fare because of road conditions, but added, “If it’s not safe for me or my vehicle, I will say no.”

She only remembers that happening once, when the Spur Road wasn’t plowed and she just couldn’t get to the requested location. “I’ll always try.”

Running a cab isn’t easy. Privett said the high cost of commercial insurance is a major challenge, in addition to maintaining a vehicle that consistently is on the run for hours at a time. “It is a lot of wear and tear on a car.”

It’s also a challenge to schedule operating hours that meet the community’s needs.

“There are a lot of hours that need covered,” she said. “There are people who need rides when the bars close, including the staff. Hospital employees often get off a late shift and need a ride.”

But the need is never predictable. “Some days there will be no rides in any given hour, and others there will be 20 rides waiting.”

Privett enjoys the community aspect of taxi service. “It’s more than just rides. Sometimes the fare will be someone I haven’t seen in a while, and it’s a chance to catch up. I learn a lot about Wrangell goings-on.”

While she’s not a delivery service, she has done a medication run to the pharmacy and given a jump-start to a stranded motorist.

“I believe we can grow as a community, and a taxi service that understands both local and tourist needs is a part of that,” she said. “Tourists generally just need to get from Point A to Point B, but a local may be someone who doesn’t get out much and needs to run errands, making several stops. I’d love to be able to give someone 40 minutes to check things off their to-do list.”

She’s hoping a second cab and additional drivers might make some of that vision possible.

This month, Privett received a message from an anonymous donor who wanted to ensure that people who needed a ride could get a ride through all the snow. The donor provided funds so that people with limited income could ride for free in December.

Privett said the donation has been helpful, especially since the weather has been such a challenge. “I’d like to keep the idea going. If others would like to contribute to such a fund, I’d be happy to talk to them.”

She plans to reach out to organizations and apply for grants to build up a continuing fund.

Privett explained the taxi service name, Xóots, means brown bear in Tlingit. While she’s not Native, she felt it a good fit for Wrangell, and it is a memorable introduction to tourists. “It sounds like ‘hoot,’ and that’s what Wrangell is!”

The scheduled taxi hours are subject to change, but generally run Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until the bars close.

To call for a taxi or to contribute to the low-income riders fund, call 907-305-1095.