An Alexandra chauffeur specialising in transporting the town's senior citizens could fill the gap left by the ending of a similar service mid-last year.
Alexandra resident Judy Aitken started Big Red Chauffeur Services earlier this year.
She uses a 12-seater van and helps those who cannot get in themselves using a portable step.
Most of her clients were elderly who needed help, she said, "things like doctor's visits, trips to New World, rides to the airport.''
The service had no set hours, but most trips were during the day, she said.
She could take people as far as 100km from Alexandra and had made several trips to Queenstown.
It was not a "huge money-maker'', but she hoped to gather a few more regular clients in winter, she said.
"At the moment it's just holding its own. I expect more in the colder months.''
Its busiest days were Tuesday to Thursday when she would make four or five trips.
She loved chatting to the passengers, she said.
"I love to have a laugh and be there for those who need a helping hand.''
She thought of the idea when she heard Alexandra's branch of the Driving Miss Daisy franchise was ending.
It halted service in May last year due to illness.
Grey Power Central Otago president Eileen Rawlings said she thought the service would be welcomed.
"I drive a mobility scooter, but I'm only allowed to drive on the footpath.
"There was quite an outcry at not having a taxi service, so people got used to staying at home.''
Word of mouth could help the service become gradually more popular, she said.
The town's most recent taxi service, Alexandra Taxis, stopped in 2012.
