‘We’re Hanging On The Edge Of A Cliff’: Halifax Cab Drivers Say Fare Increase Is Vital
HALIFAX–A voice for cab drivers in Halifax is calling the latest fare increase vital for the industry.
Dave Buffet is the president of the Halifax Taxi Drivers Owners Association. He says many cab drivers are struggling after two years of a pandemic combined with new, record-high gas prices.
“I am noticing a tremendous reduction in my disposable income, even though we gross the same amount as before the skyrocketing gas prices, obviously we take home a lot less. It’s really having an impact,” Buffet said.
Last week, Halifax Regional Council voted to increase taxi rates in the city by 12 percent.
The increase will see base rates for rides start at $4.70, up from $3.20. Meanwhile, the charge per kilometre travelled will increase 13 cents, from $1.69 to $1.75.
This is the first increase to taxi fares since 2012 and, according to council, it’s largely driven by the rapidly increasing cost of gas.
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“It’s a double edged sword for [taxi drivers],” Councillor Waye Mason said during the meeting. “Right now, they’re simply not making enough money as independent drivers…the fares don’t justify the cost of the drive. At the same time, they know that this could impact their industry in a different way and temporarily drive down usage.”
Industry numbers show that the average cab ride in Halifax is 4.7 kilometres. That means most riders will see fares increase by about 14.5 percent on their trips.
A council report notes that by placing most of the increases on the base rate, it’ll keep the cost of longer cab rides down.
“This will allow longer run trips to remain somewhat competitive, while ensuring the unpaid work that is a component of every fare is recouped to the extent possible,” the report said.
Typically, an increase like would need to go through the transportation standing committee, but because of the unprecedented increases to fuel, it bypassed that committee and was presented directly to council for a vote.
“We took such a major loss in the last two years with lock downs and less people travelling, I would describe as some people are hanging off the edge of a cliff…and some people have fallen,” explained Buffet.
Steve MacArthur is the news director with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner.