Madeline Owens
Lantern Staff
Students living on campus have recently noticed the advertisement posted up in the dorm halls with the name “Speedy Gonzalez” printed on it.
El Dorado native Robin Gonzalez is behind the wheel of the new taxi and shuttle service that started three weeks ago.
Gonzalez worked for a bus company in Butler County for years and claims it is the best job she has ever had. She does not plan on quitting it any time soon.
“Since the buses only run during the day, I wanted an evening occupation and a little extra money,” Gonzalez said. “I saw the need and heard the input in the community and thought I could help out.”
There are several students and El Dorado citizens that do not have a vehicle. In the troubling parts of winter, this can become difficult and risky.
“We used to have a taxi service, so it’s very similar,” Freshman and psychology major Kele Laymon said. “If someone’s car broke down and they need a ride home or to the nearest towing station, this could be very useful. I can think of needing to go get groceries and get across town without having a car. That would be a time someone would need this service.”
Gonzalez was aware of this issue and decided to use her skills to assist in these situations.
“You’d be surprised at the number of people who don’t have cars in El Dorado and Butler County,” Gonzalez said. “I can help people that are stranded out on the roads with car issues or even just a ride to the grocery store and back.”
Gonzalez is also an Uber driver, but the Speedy Gonzalez services are separate from the Uber business.
The business name “Speedy Gonzalez” was inspired by the old Looney Tunes character including a mouse named Speedy Gonzalez. Gonzalez thought it was a clever name for the side job.
Her taxi services allow for students attending Butler and El Dorado citizens to be given rides anywhere in Butler County, similar to an Uber.
“For now, the Speedy Gonzales services only apply to people in El Dorado who want to go anywhere in El Dorado; however, I am not opposed to taking people to Wichita,” Gonzalez said. “However, the focus is in town for now. If the business grows, that may change.”
The rides are provided six days a week, only in the evenings. Her instructions are to call the phone number provided, (316)313-4618 within her business hours of 4 to 9 p.m.
“My best word of advice is to call ahead, especially during the holidays, if you know you are needing a ride,” Gonzalez said. “That way I can schedule and coordinate the details with you better. It’s easier for me to plan my holiday time with my family when my customers call ahead. This way, I can know my work schedule ahead of time.”
Prices start at $5 to go anywhere in town. Gonzalez offers deals that allow customers to be picked up, grab some McDonald’s or takeout from a restaurant, then be taken back home for $8.
A grocery shopping option is also available. For $15, Gonzalez will pick up a customer, drop them off at Walmart and leave, giving the customer time to shop. The customer can call when they are done and Gonzalez will pick them and their groceries up and take them home.
“For senior citizens that are not able to drive, this is a great way to be transported from home to the store and back,” Gonzalez said.
Speedy Gonzalez’s services will be a trial and error job for now. Gonzalez wants to see how things go, and perhaps the business will grow as time continues.