CHARLEVOIX — Unfortunately, if you want an Uber or Lyft in Charlevoix you are out of luck.

This summer, there is only one taxi service in the city, according to Oma Darrah, owner and operator of Oma’s Taxi and Shuttle Service.

Since 2014, Darrah has provided service to Charlevoix, East Jordan, Petoskey and Traverse City — but if you want to book a ride with her, you should call about a month in advance.

“I have way more business than I can handle this year,” she said.

With over 200 regular clients, including summer residents from the Belvedere and Chicago Clubs, Darrah said it is rare that she can pick someone up on a moment’s notice.

Darrah said the community needs additional taxi services.

"We certainly need Uber and Lyft here," she said.

With the price of gas now, it can cost $145 for a trip to the airport.

For a ride with Oma's, visit www.omasshuttle.com or call (231) 675-1575.

Darrah said AAA had a taxi service last year in Charlevoix that operated five cars that is no longer in operation, leaving her one vehicle as the sole taxi in the city.

The Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce said Up North Taxi may also be available for city residents to use.

According to their website, they provide “exclusive transport, black car service and airport service” to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Pellston and elsewhere.

To schedule a ride, visit www.upnorthrides.com or call (231) 350-1248.

For medical appointments, the Charlevoix County Transit is available. For last minute shopping trips or other needs, the service may not be able to accommodate a person depending on their schedule. Prior to the pandemic, the county offered a "twilight service," which transported people to nightlife destinations. However, it has since been canceled due to a lack of employees, according to the transit office.

To schedule a ride with the Charlevoix County Transit, call (231) 547-6900.

Although, ride-hailing services are not as popular in smaller rural towns, there is a high demand from visitors to the area during the summer months.

The need for ride-hailing services in the community was addressed at the latest Downtown Development Authority meeting, with representatives agreeing the demand is a constant during the tourist season.

“We get calls all the time asking about taxi services for a ride to the airport or to dinner in another town,” said Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Kitty Cole.

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Contact reporter Annie Doyle at adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Taxi! How to catch a ride in Charlevoix.