Mobile, Ala. (BuzzReport) — Concerns about Mobile’s business climate resurfaced this week as city leaders considered an application for a new downtown golf cart transportation service, drawing opposition from an existing operator and raising broader questions about competition and small-business growth.
James D. Walker, owner of Zed, LLC, has applied for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate a golf cart transportation service in Downtown Mobile. According to the application, the proposed service would operate seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., using five vehicles.
Approval of the request rests with the Mobile City Council, which must determine whether a sufficient public need exists for an additional golf cart transportation provider in the downtown area.
A public hearing on the application was held earlier today, during which Austin and Denise Sinclair, owners and operators of Mob City Rides, spoke in opposition.
“Good morning, I am Austin Sinclair, and this is my wife, Denise Sinclair,” Sinclair told the council. “We own and operate Mob City Rides, the golf cart transportation company here in Mobile. We’re here today to ask the city council not to approve Zed, LLC.”
The Sinclairs argued that the downtown market cannot sustain an additional provider. Mob City Rides has operated in Mobile for nearly four years and is entering its fifth Mardi Gras season.
“The certificate of public convenience and necessity exists for a reason,” Sinclair said. “Simply put, there’s not enough business for two companies like this to stay intact.”
Sinclair provided data from his company’s operations, stating that Mob City Rides transported approximately 25,000 riders in 2025, with roughly 30 percent of that activity occurring during Mardi Gras. Outside of peak periods, he said demand is inconsistent.
“During the week, we typically operate with one driver on a six-hour shift, sometimes supplemented by another driver for two or three hours,” Sinclair said. “Most nights we don’t operate at all. Thursday through Saturday, it’s usually one or two drivers.”
He added that Mob City Rides maintains several golf carts that remain unused during the week and are only fully deployed during Mardi Gras, when the company must also compete with rideshare services, taxis, and limousine operators.
Sinclair also expressed concern that additional competition could negatively affect the company’s drivers, noting that Mob City Rides employs retired individuals who rely on the income.
However, others questioned whether limiting competition is in the public’s best interest. One local transportation company owner, who requested anonymity to protect his business, said demand for transportation downtown is increasing.
“The need is there for more transportation,” the owner said. “More people are coming and going these days.”
Supporters of Walker’s application argue that consumers should have the right to choose among service providers and that the city should not restrict new businesses solely to protect existing operators.
“There should be enough rides and passengers to go around,” one speaker said, adding that denying a new business entry into the market risks stifling competition and innovation.
The debate echoes a recent decision by the City Council to deny approval of a proposed third ambulatory service in Mobile, prompting criticism that the city may be creating unnecessary barriers for new businesses.
The City Council is expected to vote on Walker’s application at a future meeting.