By JACOB COMP, Student Reporter
If you’re walking around the downtown square in Alva, you won’t see a yellow car with a sign that says “taxi” on the top. But you might see a copper-colored Kia Soul driven by Gayle Reed.
Reed, an Alva resident, started local taxi company Happy Wheels in March 2016.
“I just one day decided to do it,” Reed said.
Reed said she drives for a wide range of people. She has a group of retired people around town that she gives rides to regularly, she said.
She also provides rides for those who have chosen to enjoy a night out and think they can’t safely drive home afterward.
Reed’s business slogan is “Avoid jail, call Gayle.”
Reed charges a flat rate of $5 per hour for in-town driving. She offers university students a $1 discount.
Anything within a nine- to 10-mile radius of Alva is considered in-town, she said.
“I’ll tell you what’s a good deal,” she said. “I take you to Enid and back for $50. That doesn’t matter how many people are in the car.”
Reed tries to help out the community in any way possible, she said. She’ll drive people to the local food bank for free if they’re donating supplies to it.
She has also helped people who can’t afford to have their clothes cleaned, she said.
Before she started her taxi service, Reed drove an ambulance. She also served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. She served from 1967 to 1970, attaining the rank of sergeant.
Alva resident Marian Hanna said she is grateful for Reed.
“I met Gayle because I was without a car for a couple years, and she gave me rides to and from work every day,” Hanna said. “She’s a very caring woman, and she’s very helpful. If I needed a ride, I would definitely call her, for sure. She became like another mom to me. I love Gayle.”
Reed may be contacted via phone by calling 918-809-5385.
“I enjoy doing the taxi service,” Reed said.