SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The over 30 cab companies in Sioux Falls did not join in all the official hoopla over the ride-hailing service Lyft coming to town.
"It's gonna hurt us, how much is too early to tell," says Brent Kinsley, president of Yellow Cab, perhaps the largest in the city.
Kinsley says cabbies are at a huge disadvantage because they have to meet tougher commercial standards and regulations and their rates are set.
"They don't tell McDonald's how much to charge for a hamburger, but they set our rates," grouses Kinsley. He's got a fleet of cabs, a building and over 30 drivers, so it's a real business for him, not part time pick-up money.
Quicksliver Cab is one of the smallest companies in Sioux falls - just Todd Slade and his car.
"Big business coming to town, pushing aside those struggling to build something." Slade says it was tough enough competing against all the other cab companies, and now Lfyt.
If you can't beat them, maybe join them.
"Give it up and go be a Lyft driver," Slade says Lfyt keeps hitting on him, going to his Facebook page, asking him to join.
Then again, the 62-year-old Slade says he may retire, stay at home and "watch football."
Lfyt officially launched across South Dakota on Tuesday, one of the last states to get a ride-hailing service. Lyft beat its better known competitor Uber.
Sioux Falls Mayor Huether made a big splash of the Lyft announcement by hailing the first ceremonial ride from City Hall to the Washington Pavilion.
