Mobile City Council Rejects Proposal for Golf Cart Transportation Service

Businessman Jim Walker's plan to launch a downtown transportation company using golf carts was voted down unanimously.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Mobile City Council has rejected a proposal from businessman Jim Walker to start a transportation service in the downtown area using golf carts, similar to the existing MOB City Rides service. Walker had planned to hire ex-felons for the business, but council members expressed concerns about potential liability issues. Walker says he spent around $70,000 buying surplus golf carts from the Dallas Cowboys and was hoping to revive a trolley service his family had operated decades ago.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the challenges facing new transportation startups trying to enter a market dominated by an existing provider. It also raises questions about the city's willingness to support businesses that aim to provide employment opportunities for those with criminal records.

The details

Jim Walker had proposed launching a new transportation company in downtown Mobile using golf carts, similar to the existing MOB City Rides service. However, the Mobile City Council unanimously voted down Walker's application for a certificate of public convenience, a prerequisite for starting the business. Council members did not provide much explanation for their votes, but Councilman Ben Reynolds expressed concerns about the liability of hiring ex-felons to operate the service.

  • The Mobile City Council voted on Walker's proposal on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Last week, the owner of MOB City Rides told council members that there is not enough business to support two companies.

The players

Jim Walker

A businessman who proposed launching a new transportation service in downtown Mobile using golf carts.

MOB City Rides

An existing transportation company in Mobile that operates a similar golf cart service in the downtown area.

Ben Reynolds

A Mobile City Council member who expressed concerns about Walker's plan to hire ex-felons for the proposed transportation service.

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What they’re saying

“What happens when something negative happens in the city? Who are they gonna be looking at? They're gonna be looking at us, saying, 'Hold on. You let these folks come out here and operate.'”

— Ben Reynolds, Mobile City Council member

“I was just going to hire nonviolent people that have made a mistake. I mean, the system's so loaded. I mean, the state of Alabama just crucifies everybody.”

— Jim Walker

What’s next

It's unclear if Walker plans to try again with his proposal for a golf cart transportation service in Mobile. He indicated he may consider moving his business elsewhere if the city remains unwilling to approve his plan.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the challenges facing new transportation startups trying to enter a market dominated by an existing provider, as well as the city's hesitation to support businesses that aim to provide employment opportunities for those with criminal records, even for nonviolent offenses.