Queb Taxi a vrooming rural cab business

Robert Paterson

In February 2023, Jennifer Pepler Quinn took over 100% of the newly formed Queb Taxi, Knowlton’s only taxi firm. Starting with only two cars, Queb now offers full service to local residents, with a fleet of cars, a van and a minibus.

60 per cent of its business is taking people to and from the airport. The average now is five airport trips a day. Many who travel are families or groups of friends. 25 per cent of trips are local. These trips involve many older residents who can no longer drive. Ten per cent are medical, such as trips for tests, and the rest is school or tourism-related.

Queb is what Jennifer calls a “Rural Taxi Service.” “We take people where they want to go.” What this means for many rural users, especially those who don’t drive, is that they are less isolated and more mobile. Montreal and the airport are more easily accessible. This means that those who wish to go to a wedding or on a vineyard tour need not worry about who will be the designated driver. And for those planning on partying over the holiday season, the taxi service is a great way to get around.

Queb Taxi is not just about the present, but also about the future. “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our services and strengthen our connections. We are in discussions to offer a “Hop On and Hop Off ” minibus service, providing a predictable and affordable connection for locals.”

Booking a Queb Taxi is simply a matter of making a phone call. Queb’s drivers are all properly licensed, insured, and more. Jennifer’s principal hiring requirement is that her drivers are kind. A recent example of this requirement was a trip where a woman had to take her cat to the vet to be put down. The passenger sobbed the entire way home. The driver refused to be paid.

“People, Planet, Profit.” is Jennifer’s mantra. “If we do right for people and the planet, the profits will come.”

And what about the future? “Post-COVID, there is a shift from big cities to rural areas,” Jennifer says, “I would like to help entrepreneurs set up their “Queb” in other small communities around here. The more connected we are, the healthier and more prosperous we are.” 

Queb Taxi cabs can be booked by calling 450-243-6000.