Cam’s Taxi aims to ease Streator travel

South Carolina native Cam Braloski was shocked when he moved to Streator and saw a town of its size didn’t have a proper taxi service, so he decided to take his Jeep Grand Cherokee and do something about it.

“We didn’t have taxis (in South Carolina) like they do in Chicago,” Braloski said. “I saw this little town doesn’t have a taxi service and thought, wow, that’s something I can provide.”

Cam’s Taxi Service is open every day, but the hours fluctuate between weekdays and weekends. The taxis operate Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. until midnight but remain open until 2 a.m. on weekends to take advantage of the bar crowd.

"There are many people in town who need help with rides," said Streator City Manager Scot Wrighton. "It's fine as long as the customers are protected and city ordinances are followed."

Braloski also has hired a second driver, allowing the business to open up the range they can serve with calls coming from Chicago and Joliet as well as the local area.

“For the first couple of months business was really slow but once we got the name out there business really picked up,” Braloski said. “I bet I’m home two hours out of a 24-hour day.”

Cam’s Taxi Service charges $5 for a one-way trip to anywhere in Streator, and $10 for a round trip. A one-way trip to Ottawa costs $15 and a round trip costs $30. The prices increase from there depending on how far customers want to travel.

While Uber and Lyft are options in other cities, Streator city ordinances do not allow these businesses to operate within its limits. Streator also is serviced by North Central Area Transit, a public transportation bus program out of Ottawa. There are some limitations, however, such as reservations are required a minimum of one day in advance to ride.

Streator's ordinance requires taxis and ride-sharing programs to register with the city and pay a $100 fee per vehicle. The registration ensures drivers have a valid license and insurance.

“Uber and Lyft don’t pay their employees correctly, and the paycheck isn’t equal the qualifications needed,” Braloski said. “I decided I’d rather start my own business and make a name for myself. This is something that I can pass on to my kids.”

Braloski has had criminal charges in his past: a burglary, larceny and unlawful carrying of a pistol charges stemming from a 2015 incident in Darlington County, South Carolina, but he said he has since grown past those days. Wrighton acknowledged in the city's registration process Braloski was upfront about those charges.

“I lost my mom in 2014 and I went a little crazy,” Braloski said. “I made mistakes and people make mistakes every day. I did my time and I don’t get in trouble anymore. I’ve moved past it.”