Mike Lewis shows off the Tiny's Taxi emblem on the back of Janell McGuire's jacket on Dec 31. Tiny's offered its last ever ride on the night of New Year's Eve, leaving the island without a taxi service in 2025.
Next time your friend asks for a ride to the airport, say yes. You might be their only hope.
After two years in service, Tiny's Taxi turned off the ignition for the last time on Dec. 31. Tiny's has been the island's sole taxi service since Johnny Cab ceased operations last summer.
"It's been an incredible journey," Tiny's founder Mike Lewis said. "I've met some amazing people and made some amazing friends. (I've) played catchup with a lot of the old-school locals after 30 years of being gone."
Lewis founded Tiny's in April 2022 after moving back to Wrangell following a nomadic career in construction for the three decades prior. His grandparents ran a taxi service in town in the 1940s and '50s, so for Lewis the venture was a family affair.
However, recent low demand for rides forced him to shut down the business. Lewis went out with a bang though. For his last day in business (New Year's Eve), he donned a suit, passed out cash to riders and even held a best-dressed contest with a $100 prize for the winners.
"If a guy's in business, he isn't trying to just make money, he's trying to make a profit," Lewis said. "If you're not making a profit than either your business model is failing or there isn't enough volume to sustain your business."
Tracey Martin, the chamber of commerce's executive director, was surprised to hear of Tiny's closure.
"I was shocked," Martin said. "It's going to be terrible. There are people who don't have vehicles that rely on Tiny's Taxi. So, it's definitely going to be a disadvantage for those people."
Martin added that she is not aware of any taxi service that might open in the near future.
Police Chief Gene Meek, who has cracked down on DUI charges since he took over the department last summer, said he realizes that the loss of a 24-hour taxi service could have some dangerous implications.
"He will be missed because when people don't have that alternative, they may choose to drink and drive instead," Meek said. "Call a friend. Call somebody."
Lewis said he might continue to provide transportation for private events here and there, but as a 24-hour taxi service, Tiny's doors are closed.
"Wrangell needs some type of transportation," Lewis said. "Can I sustain it? My answer is 'no.'"
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