Rate hikes and zone changes recommended for Halifax taxi drivers
Posted Aug 9, 2012 05:59:15 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Major changes proposed for the local taxi industry are getting mixed reactions from drivers.
HRM’s standing transportation committee has approved an 8.9 per cent rate hike and a change to the rules governing taxi zones.
The rate hike will move the base far up to $3.09 from $3 and works out to a one cent increase every 79 metres. That will bump the cost of a 10-kilometre trip from $17.88 to $19.48.
It’s the first time rates have been raised in seven years, and veteran driver Doug Brine tells Global News, it’s a good start – but not enough.
“The men and women in this business are working 14, 16 hours six days a week trying to survive,” he said. “That’s below minimum wage.”
Drivers are also unhappy with a change to zoning laws that will allow cabs from outside zones such as Dartmouth to operate in downtown Halifax from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Thursday to Saturday.
Halifax Regional Police have advocated for the change, saying more cabs could help cut down on late-night violence in the downtown core.
The Halifax Taxi Drivers Owners Association has always opposed the change, saying it will flood the downtown core with drivers and leave passengers in other zones stranded.
The proposed changes will now go to regional council for approval.
