Brian Hill
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 23, 2020) – Everyone on Fort Leonard Wood — including all trainees except those in basic combat training — may now use ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to get on and off post.
The new, non-exclusive taxi agreement went into effect this month, and opened service here to competition from anyone possessing a valid chauffeur driver’s license from the state of Missouri. The previous agreement was exclusive to one taxi company.
“By allowing multiple companies to operate on the installation, we hope to improve the service to our military community,” said Megan O’Donoghue, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation service and support division director.
FMWR began accepting applications for the new permits in December 2019. Taxi companies are still welcome to apply and can pay for permits at the MWR warehouse (2347 Louisiana Ave.).
Applicants are charged an annual fee of $25 per vehicle for the permit. Just as before, the new permit is solely for the vehicle. All drivers must be vetted through regular post entrance security procedures, with FMWR as the sponsor.
Drivers must possess a valid license from the state of Missouri to operate as a motor carrier for the classes and types of services authorized on Fort Leonard Wood, such as Uber and Lyft vehicles wanting to operate on the installation as well as airport shuttles. In addition, they must be able to present proof of insurance and registration as well as the license plate and cab number of any vehicles to be permitted.
Anyone seeking a permit to operate a taxi on the post must also ensure any taxi vehicles are less than eight years old, are four-door sedans of a uniform color, and are capable of transporting at least four passengers in addition to the driver, as designed by the manufacturer.
If a company has a permit to operate on the installation they must be willing and able to pick up any and all patrons with no discrimination.
“It’s a large post, and we want everyone who’s willing to pay for a taxi to be able to get one,” O’Donoghue said. “Even out to some of the more remote areas here.”
For more information on the new permits, call 573.596.0118.
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About Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 80,000 military and civilians each year.
Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.
Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.
More information about Fort Leonard Wood is at: https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/about/mission