CROOKSTON, MN - A local gas station has added taxi service to its 24/7 operations, outside the box thinking that has filled a void in this city of 8,000 residents, Inforum reports.

Wayne Melbye, manager of Ampride and a Crookston City Council member, began offering the taxi service out of his convenience store??s office last April, a few months after a conventional cab company in the town folded.

"You don??t usually put these two together, but then I started thinking that we already are open 24 hours a day, we have a car wash and we sell gas," Melbye said. "I thought it would be good PR for us, if nothing else...But, financially, we??re above board. Hopefully we??ll put enough away to get a new set of tires when we need them."

Last December, Melbye??s cabs logged 1,107 fares, a daily average of 36. In-town rides carry a flat rate of $6. Twelve Ampride employees, including Melbye, share driving duties for the cab service, which does not receive a government subsidy (unlike in some cities).

"It??s getting busier, so we??re looking into getting a second cab," Melbye said.

According to Melbye, the cab service has helped generate store sales. When the designated driver isn??t picking up a fare, (s)he is working inside the store, cleaning, stocking shelves, or preparing food. Because of the extra help, deli sales have increased.

"It seems like we??ve been a good fit," Melbye said. "Knowing it??s an Ampride product has helped because they know the phone is going to be answered and they??re familiar with the Ampride name."

And, sometimes, an incoming call serves two purposes. "Every once in awhile, someone will call for a ride and then ask, 'Can you bring a sausage pizza with you???" Melbye said.