As a lifelong resident of a small town and someone who helps to run a small business in some small town, I can personally testify that people generally stick with what they know. If they’ve been using taxi company A for a while and are generally happy with the prices and service, they’re probably going to stick with it. Even if the car is kind of dodgy. They know the number for that taxi, they’re familiar with the driver(s). Small town people aren’t always the most comfortable with change, and that holds especially true for older small town people.
It also just takes time for a new business to penetrate the consciousness of the general public. They might be aware of your business, but when it comes time to call a taxi, they’re just not making the connection just yet.
Definitely go with more business cards. They are a tangible reminder of your service. People can keep them in their wallet or purse and have your contact info right there should they need your service. Sometimes all you need are those first few customers to get the ball rolling. Then people see you in action or they tell their friends/family and then she momentum builds from there.
There’s a woman with that last name who runs a counseling service out of a small office in my town. She doesn’t really have a business name. The door to the building just says (her name), Mental Health Counselor. I walk past it a few times a week and always crack a smile. If I were her, I would have just given my business some generic name like Riverside Counceling Services or something like that.