The City of Belleville taxi fleet operators have issued a joint statement on rising fares.
On Monday, City Council approved an increase in the taxi starting rate from $4 to $4.40 along with increasing the per kilometre rate by 20 cents to $2.20.
The operators of Central Taxi and Blue Bird Taxi say the first rate increase in a decade is necessary based on higher insurance, fuel, repair and investment costs.
They add the increase will benefit the drivers that work for the taxi companies, as the revenue collected directly flows to them.
Read their full statement below:
Issued by Belleville’s taxi companies to notify the public that the city council has authorized a moderate increase in regulated taxi fares after a decade of stable prices.
The taxi starting rate will go from $4.00 to $4.40. Rate charged per kilometer of travel will increase from $2.00 to $2.20. This increase was justified based on higher insurance, fuel, repair, and investment costs.
The taxi metered prices do not change and are consistent. The industry does not apply surcharges or temporary increases based on demand, time of day, or pick up location. Fares remain the same even when we have inclement weather. All customers are treated with the same pricing in accordance with consumer protection regulation.
This increase will benefit the drivers that work for the taxi companies, as the revenue collected directly flows to them. Our drivers are hardworking dedicated residents who believe in serving the public following our rules and regulations. They deserve this increase.
The city council has been thorough in implementing a process by which it is reviewing and
modernizing the city’s by–laws related to vehicle services provided for hire. We welcome the
initiative and will participate fully in that review with constructive and productive
suggestions.
