In a move that sent shockwaves through the local transportation industry, the Norwood Selectmen took decisive action against Norwood Taxi, a company accused of non-compliance with regulations.

The board’s decision to hold a show-cause hearing to revoke the taxi firm’s operator’s license was met with unanimous approval from the four members present at the meeting.

The catalyst for this development was a routine inspection conducted by Frederick Brown, the sealer of weights and measures, in June. During his investigation, Brown discovered that two of Norwood Taxi’s meters had not been approved, resulting in overcharges to passengers ranging between 15 and 20 cents per mile. This egregious infraction prompted Brown to refuse approval for these meters, effectively grounding the cabs until they were either repaired, replaced, or taken out of service.

According to Brown, the company manager was obligated by law to notify town officials about the status of the outlawed cabs. However, as of the time of the meeting, no such notification had been received from Norwood Taxi’s owner, Thomas Narbut. This lack of communication only served to further exacerbate the situation.

The inspection also revealed another disturbing finding: two cabs owned by Norwood Taxi but registered for operation in Dedham were parked in a taxi stand in Norwood. Although these vehicles were not carrying passengers at the time, their presence in the stand was deemed potentially illegal, as they may have been soliciting business without proper authorization.

The Selectmen’s Chairman, John Kinnaly, expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that problems with Norwood Taxi had been ongoing for several years. His call for a show-cause hearing to revoke the company’s taxi license was met with unanimous approval from the board members present.

In the early days of Norwood’s taxi industry, companies such as Norwood Taxi were the norm. These small, family-owned businesses provided essential transportation services to the community, often at a reasonable cost. However, as the years went by, larger corporations began to enter the market, offering more competitive rates and better service.

Despite these changes, Norwood Taxi remained a staple of the local industry, providing reliable transportation services to residents and visitors alike. However, its recent troubles have raised questions about the company’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and comply with regulations.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More Norwood Business History

Kline’s Department Store Marks Ten Years in Downtown Norwood-July 11, 1983

Kline’s Department Store Celebrates a Decade in Norwood On July 11, 1983, Kline’s Department Store marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten successful years of operation in downtown Norwood. ⠀ When the 25-store retail chain first moved into the building formerly occupied by the Park Snow store, local observers were initially skeptical. At the time, the…
In Memoriam: Louis Orent, 94, Founder of Orent Brothers Clothing Store-May 15, 1983

Louis Orent, a pioneering figure in New England retail and a beloved member of the Norwood community, passed away Friday in Hollywood, Florida, at the age of 94. Known widely as the “dean of New England retail clothing merchants,” Mr. Orent leaves behind a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and decades of service to…
Sidewalk Sale in Norwood-July 24, 1981

Dozens of Downtown Norwood Businesses took part on a sidewalk sale.
New Reliance Electric Service Center-July 17, 1979

Reliance Electric, which services and repairs industrial electric motors, will move its regional service center here from South Boston on Sept. 1. The new facility in a 19,000-square-foot location in the Park Place industrial development off Route 1 will employ some 30 persons, an increase of five over current levels. The company, with headquarters in…
South End Hardware: A Landmark Institution-July 5, 1978

In 1978, the Abdallah family’s South End Hardware in South Norwood stood as a testament to four generations of community service and local history.
LaRosa Brothers Step Down from The Village Inn after 15 Years-June 7, 1978

A beloved Guild Square culinary staple prepares for a structural transition as its founding brothers head toward retirement after a 15-year run.
Seeds Of Vast Industrial Development Planted-July 10, 1973

On July 10, 1973, the industrial committee in Norwood underwent a significant reorganization, appointing local developer Robert L. Rizzo as chairman and establishing a five-member steering committee to promote business and industry within the town. ⠀ The committee’s primary focus was to advance a plan for “garden-type industrial development” on a large parcel of land…
Norwood Plastics Firm Starts Full Operations-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1969,

The dawn of a new era in Norwood’s industrial landscape unfolded on July 21, 1969, as the Gamma Platics Corporation embarked on its full-scale manufacturing operations. Nestled at 370 Lenox St., this pioneering plastics firm was poised to revolutionize the industry with its custom injection molding services. At the helm of this innovative venture stood…
Polaroid Begins Production At Norwood Complex-July 9, 1969

In 1969, Polaroid began producing goods in their newly constructed facility on the former Forbes Estate in Norwood.
Norwood Shoe Warehouse To Be Built-July 16, 1964

As the sun rose over the quaint town of Norwood on July 16, 1964, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The residents of this charming community were abuzz with news that Consolidated Shoe Inc., a prominent manufacturer of several renowned brands, had finally reached an agreement to construct a state-of-the-art warehouse on…