Mobile City Council to Vote on Second Downtown Golf Cart Service

MOBILE, Ala. (BuzzReport) — The Mobile City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to allow an additional golf cart transportation service to operate in Downtown Mobile.

Council members will consider Resolution 37-104, which addresses the application of Zed, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide golf cart transportation services. The company is owned by James D. Walker.

According to information submitted to the city, Walker’s proposed service would operate seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. and would initially use five golf carts. Before the business can receive a license, it must obtain council approval for the certificate, which is required under city ordinance.

The City of Mobile mandates a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for all ambulances and vehicle-for-hire services, including taxis, shuttles, limousines, and golf cart transportation providers. State and local laws classify these services as public-safety operations because they transport passengers for compensation on public streets. The Mobile City Council must determine whether a proposed service is needed, serves the public interest, and meets safety, insurance, and reliability standards before approval is granted.

The upcoming vote has sparked debate over the city’s approach to small businesses and competition. Some community members argue the decision will reflect whether Mobile is equally supportive of small, locally owned businesses as it is of larger corporations.

“It seems like the current cart company is petitioning and lobbying for just their company to operate downtown with no friendly competition,” said Jimmie Mills. “Everyone should be afforded a right and opportunity to do business if it does not harm the community.”

The discussion follows a recent decision by the City Council to deny approval of a new ambulatory service, a move critics say limited residents’ access to additional emergency transportation options.

Currently, MOB City Rides operates a golf cart transportation service in Downtown Mobile. During a public hearing at last week’s council meeting, the company’s owners spoke in opposition to Walker’s application, arguing there is no demonstrated need for another service and that approving an additional certificate would negatively impact their existing operation.

The City Council’s vote on Resolution 37-104 will determine whether Zed, LLC is permitted to enter the downtown transportation market.