City cab fares could soar 2.5%
Posted Sep 9, 2011 06:53:17 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA- Taxi fares in Ottawa are among the highest in Canada, but the city wants to hike taxi fares by 2.5 per cent starting October 1st.
Right now it costs $12.47 to travel 10 kilometres, but with the increase it would cost $12.79.
In a time where fuel prices are soaring and taxed seem to keep piling up, it’s no surprise many people in the capital say raising cab fares isn’t fair.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said one woman. “It’s good where it is. Leave it. Everything else has gone up anyway, you know? We’re paying enough as it is. People need to get around, so why raise money on that?”
“If it were a lower rate, I would consider taking taxis, but not if they’re a higher rate because I can’t afford that,” said another woman.
Others say there are times they would take a taxi no matter the cost.
“I only take taxis under emergencies, and an emergency is an emergency,” said a woman. “I’ll probably end up taking one if I’m in an emergency and have to get somewhere, but otherwise… they’re simply too expensive.”
If the fares are raised, Ottawa’s fees would be second only to Mississauga.
A city committee is expected to meet next week to discuss the changes.
