DeKalb residents will have a new way to get around when J&J Taxi Service opens for business Friday.

The DeKalb City Council approved a license for the new company at an Aug. 23 meeting, said City Manager Mark Biernacki.

“The need for such a service in DeKalb is evident, and the new company should have no problem succeeding,” he said.

J&J Taxi Service, 151 N. Fourth St., will be the only taxi in town, Biernacki said. Cruiser Taxi Lin had their city license suspended until January 2006, due to various violations of the municipal code.

“They’ve had unregistered vehicles, been charged with running a business out of a home and had various unpaid fees. Most of these have been repeat occurrences,” Biernacki said.

Working with the city and following the law are top priorities for the business, said Warren Jackson, co-owner of J&J Taxi Service.

“We will be working hand-in-hand with the city. We’re here to serve both the city and the community,” he said.

J&J was started because of the lack of competition in the area and his love of fixing cars, Jackson said. Two cars will service DeKalb and one will drive Cortland.

He said he hopes to fix up one for Sycamore in the near future.

“This is a family company. The main concern is quality and service. It’s an honest ride for honest pay,” Jackson said.

Jackson said he feels his low rates are what will make his business successful. He is starting to plaster flyers around town to get the word out.

He will charge $5.50 for the first five miles and $1.50 for each additional mile up to 20 miles.

Jackson said his service will not exceed 50 miles outside the city limits of DeKalb and Sycamore with the exception of rides to O’Hare Airport, which will cost $65.

“I’m very excited about this,” Jackson said. “It’s a dream come true to have a company of my own.”