24-hour taxi service returns to Flathead

Full-time taxi service has resumed in Flathead County. Glacier Taxi, operated by Randy Cowger, started a 24-hour service on Feb. 8.

Cowger bought the operating authority and vehicles from Randy Johnson, who continues to operate Flathead Glacier Transportation, which provides an airport shuttle service and longer charter runs.

Glacier Taxi currently is operating one taxi with three drivers on rotating shifts. Cowger said he expects to have a second vehicle running soon and eventually add a third taxi to his fleet.

Cowger worked for Flathead Glacier Transportation over the past couple of years and continues to drive for Johnson as he builds up his own taxi business.

The Montana Public Service Commission recently approved a six-month suspension of Iron Eagle Transportation, which had been the Flathead’s primary taxi service.

If an operating authority is suspended for 12 consecutive months, the commission can then take steps to revoke the authority, according to a PSC spokeswoman. Iron Eagle’s suspension runs through July 2.

According to the PSC, Kenneth Landert of Kountry Transportation intends to operate under the previous Flathead Area Custom Transportation Inc. authority, which was doing business as Kalispell Taxi and Airport Shuttle Service.

That authority had been suspended and was reaching the maximum 12-month suspension period. Landert is within a 30-day time period to meet state compliance requirements.