Four area transportation services are now able to operate in Bowling Green after officials gave owners permission to run their vehicles.

Bowling Green Shuttle Service, Arrive Alive, Bowling Green Senior Transportation and Owensboro-based Komfort Kabs have been trying to get their vehicles licensed for more than a year. Last week, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet granted their requests.

“We feel that this has moved the issue toward a resolution that meets the transportation needs (of Bowling Green),” said Mark Brown, spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “So, it’s definitely good news for the city.”

The past year has been a battle for the local businesses. Officials denied their licenses, saying their services were unneeded and essentially shutting down their Bowling Green operations. That decision was made after Dan Spears, owner of Yellow Cab, argued those businesses were operating without proper licenses and were unneeded in Bowling Green.

Cabinet officials then rescinded that decision after receiving several complaints about a lack of taxi service in the area. In October, Spears withdrew his protest against the transportation businesses.

The cabinet now is looking into claims that Spears submitted fake proof of insurance for several vehicles. Spears has been asked to attend a hearing about the issue Jan. 12, according to documents.

“I’ve always had a spotless record with the state,” Spears said. “I have a great legal staff addressing this issue, and I’m sure that everything will work out just fine.”

The transportation cabinet recently addressed similar concerns about Spears’ insurance, dismissing any wrongdoing and finding him fit to operate taxi services, according to documents.

Spears requested permission to operate 50 taxis in Bowling Green – cabinet officials will decide whether to grant that authority after the hearing , according to documents.

According to cabinet documents, Bowling Green Shuttle Service, Arrive Alive and Bowling Green Senior Transportation received permission to operate their vehicles in Bowling Green.

Brent Gipson, owner of Komfort Kabs, said he also received permission to operate 18 transportation vehicles in the city.

“We kind of knew this was coming … I would like to be operating in January; the biggest roadblock right now is finding that number of drivers,” Gipson said.

Business owners cannot legally operate their vehicles until they comply with the Department of Vehicle Regulation rules, which include filing proof of insurance and getting each vehicle qualified by the department.

Gipson wants to hire 20 drivers this month and hopes to have 40 employees for his Bowling Green operations by the end of 2010.

Ed Arney, owner of Bowling Green Shuttle Service, has reopened business and is operating four vehicles, transporting people to and from Nashville International Airport.

“I just think it’s crazy that it took over 18 months to get a permanent license,” said Arney, who had been operating with a temporary license.

Glenn Collins, owner of Bowling Green Senior Transportation, received authority to run three vehicles and will seek permission to operate three more, he said.

“I can’t wait to compete. I want to compete,” he said. “I think that this is a great opportunity, not only for me as a businessperson, but also for Bowling Green.”

Mike Medicinebear, owner of Arrive Alive, is getting his vehicles inspected and gathering proof of insurance so he can begin operations. His business initially will run four vehicles and will increase that number to meet customer needs, he said.

“We’re just thankful the Lord pulled us through. It’s been rough,” he said. “It’s been a long, hard road.”