MANKATO — The City Council approved a free evening bus service for Minnesota State University students Monday, over the objections of Kato Cab owner Paul Hendrycks.
He argued that the new route, called the Stomper Express, would cut into the already-tight profit margins of his drivers.
"If they (cab drivers) have less people to haul, they'll make less money," Hendrycks said.
He also said that his cab company could perform the same service — possibly using shared rides — for less money.
City Manager Pat Hentges said money for cabs using such a shared ride service would dry up quickly if not for steep convenience cuts.
And Hentges said the state could decide to fund 80 percent of the route if it has enough use. But the same wouldn't happen for a cab-based service, he said.
Hendrycks brought his complaints to Councilman Jack Considine shortly before the meeting.
"It's something that, up until tonight, had been 100 percent positive," Considine said.
The resolution passed on a 6 to 0 vote during Monday evening's meeting.
Hendrycks left with hopes that Stomper Express wouldn't take his business: "It's hard to fight city hall."
The city is slated to pay 80 percent of the bill — roughly $40,000 — with MSU picking up the remaining $16,000. It will operate between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The bus will be free to MSU students, but anyone who pays the $1.25 ticket can ride.
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