The high price of gas seems to be permeating every part of our lives and driving prices up across the board. It has been estimated that the increase in the prices at the pump is costing taxi drivers an extra $20.00 to $30.00 per day. In order to offset the increase in gas prices, an increase in taxi fares should be approved by city council in the next few weeks and it is substantial. The starting price (drop rate) on the meter is going up by $1.00 – increasing from $3.00 - $4.00 and the mileage charge will be increasing by $0.15. A 5 kilometre ride would increase from $10.00 to $11.75, a 10 kilometre ride would increase from $17.50 to $20.00 and a 25 kilometre ride would increase from $39.50 to $44.00. This is the first rate hike since 2005 and it should be in effect by mid-July. However if some changes aren’t made, and quickly, there will be more to come.

One of the proposed changes is that taxi drivers should be permitted to use smaller cars and hybrid vehicles that burn less fuel. At the moment hybrid vehicles are only permitted to remain in service for 5 years. It is also proposed that they be allowed to be on the road for a longer period of time. Some taxi drivers suggested that the drop rate be increased by $2.00 in lieu of increasing the mileage charge. They are worried that the public will note tolerate the increase in the drop rate and the mileage rate and use the TTC more frequently.

I’m sure that there will be people that take the TTC more often. But I would suggest that if taxi drivers would change their attitudes – be pleasant to your fares, don’t talk on your cell phones incessantly when you have passengers in the car, and don’t drive like crazed lunatics – the public would be less inclined to jump ship, even with a rate hike.