Last August, Danielle Wauer started to help out running Giddy Up Taxi, but
things got off to a difficult start.

“Boy, I did not know what I was getting into,” Wauer said. “After a while, I
got a system down and I just keep improving it.”

Now, that system is all hers and her husband’s, as they purchased the taxi
company and fully took over operations on Nov. 6. And the pair has some
plans in place to keep improving things, with an eye to keep up with Uber and
Lyft, two ride-sharing companies.

“We’re really turning it into more of a business,” Wauer said, noting that they
will add credit card capabilities, printed receipts for work and medical trips,
water bottles, cell phone chargers, improved interior lighting, the option of
texting in for a ride and even new vehicles in the future for the fleet.

The company, with a total of six drivers, offers several transportation options,
including local fares, rides to the airport, wedding shuttles, wine and concert
tours and more.

“We get super super busy with (wedding shuttles),” Wauer said. “Pretty much
our whole summer is booked.”

She added that they also make the local mountain community a priority,
including adding a punch card for local rides that offers $10 off a ride after six
rides. And Wauer also noted they plan to build relationships with mountain
businesses and possibly create a brochure highlighting the area’s offerings to
offer customers.

“We’re really aiming to take care of the local people first and foremost,” said
Wauer, who moved to the mountain with her husband a little more than a
year ago. “The business has been such a blessing to us; it really came at a
time of great need. It really just came and rescued us.”

Giddy Up Taxi can be reached at 503-622-0398 or online at giddyuptaxi.com.
The business can also be found on Facebook and Yelp.