Kingston, Ont., taxi companies oppose hike in fares

Kingston's two major taxi service providers are standing against a rise in fares approved by the local taxi commission, saying that 40% is too much.

Kingston’s two biggest taxi companies are refusing to implement higher fares, recently approved by the city’s taxi commission.

The higher rates were supposed to take effect on Monday in response to rising inflation but taxi companies say they won’t comply.

A rate increase of 40 per cent was approved in March by the Kingston Area Taxi Commission

It would be the first rate increase since 2019, due to rising inflation pushed higher by skyrocketing gas prices.

“Though we do need an increase, we don’t need a 40-per cent increase. We asked for a 20-per cent increase and to leave the drop rate the same. This was a shock to us and an even bigger shock that they passed it,” said Mark Greenwood, owner and president of Amey’s Taxi.

Greenwood said his company serves many clients who are on fixed incomes, including the elderly and single parents and a 40-per cent increase to fares would kill their business.

In a statement, Chair of the Kingston Area Taxi Commission Joe Dowser said:

“This is not just about a fare or rate increase; it is about reinvesting in the good people who operate or own taxicabs and to help bring sustainability to the industry. Since the start of the pandemic, the taxi industry has been an essential service. The operators and owners have worked to ensure that they keep Kingston and Loyalist Township’s citizens safely moving, we thank you all for that.”