"This" is the idea to start a new taxi business, appropriately named "Taxi."

"I was driving cab for another (Homer) company and events happened that worked right into it, like a path leading toward it," Lovelace said.

For starters, Lovelace had, over the past several years, minimized his material possessions and cut down on bills. In addition, from driving taxi in Homer and Colorado, he also knew having a base of operations wasn't as important as having the taxi seen everywhere and anywhere.

"You want to keep your overhead low when you're starting up a business," said Lovelace. "And you don't have to worry about buying product that will spoil like in the food industry."

When all the pieces fell together, the idea of launching a taxi business took shape and "was almost a surprise," Lovelace said.

Lovelace and Dixon kept their eyes open to determine if there was a need for additional taxis in the area.

"During the wintertime, it can take 15-20 minutes to get a taxi in a town this size. So that meant maybe there was plenty of business to go around if it was taking that long to take care of a customer," said Lovelace.

At the end of August, when Lovelace had his licenses, insurance and an inspection of his vehicle a beige Plymouth Neon in order, he was good to go. The ease of putting Taxi together compared with the challenges of starting the same kind of company in other locations helped the process flow smoothly.

"There can be so much red tape," Lovelace said of requirements in areas including a minimum number of vehicles, proof to licensing authorities that a need for the business exists and lengthy tests to indicate familiarity with city streets and a variety of routes.

"There's none of that here," he said. "What other state can the mayor of Wasilla become a governor and then a vice presidential candidate? This was the perfect place."

Lovelace included runs to Anchorage in the opening days of his enterprise. However, revisions were necessary after he experienced some mechanical problems.

The front-wheel drive vehicle with TAXI illuminated on top and printed on the sides can now be seen transporting passengers between Anchor Point, Homer and East End Road.

Summer and early fall were a busy time for the one-vehicle operation.

"But now it's wintertime and it's just locals and people kind of have their favorite (taxi)," Lovelace said. "I have a very small, but loyal, fan base and it appears to be growing step by step. And, of course, I appreciate every one of them."

"Free taxi Monday" was featured during the month of November, with free rides given between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

"We've had very busy Mondays," Dixon said of the response.

Carpooling and other ways to make transportation greener are options Lovelace is willing to entertain. He also offers advertising space on his car, and has an ad for Auto Hub across the back of the Neon.

The winter is perfect for evaluating which direction to develop the business before Homer's busy summer tourist season hits.

"Growth is definitely something I would love to do," Lovelace said, adding with a laugh, "I would love to have someone who could give me a day off."

To contact Taxi, call 299-8294 (TAXI) between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.