Calgary looking to raise base taxi fares

Taxi companies are looking to bounce back after the pandemic, and are pushing the City of Calgary to increase fares for passengers.

As a way to help out drivers, base fares could go up by $0.60, along with three additional cents per kilometre.

Kurt Enders, president of Checker Cabs, says the pandemic took a toll on the taxi business and increasing fares would help drivers maintain a steady income, and help the company retain them.

“The cost of food, which everyone is feeling, fuel, insurance, property taxes, everything seems to be going through the roof,” Enders said. “We haven’t had an increase since 2014 so it is time for the drivers to get a bump in the meter fare.”

The Community Development Committee will discuss the proposal on Wednesday before it goes to a full council vote, with a recommendation that the price goes up to $4.50, and riders pay $0.23 per kilometre.

“It’s been so hard to make a living wage due to COVID, not enough business, but also this brings them up to be able to afford their families and so forth,” Enders said. “So I think it helps retain drivers in the industry.”

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Right now, Calgary’s taxi costs are middle-of-the-road compared to many other Canadian cities, but they would become among the highest if the change goes through.

“I think it is right for Calgary and Calgary’s drivers,” Enders said.

And while Uber is generally cheaper, taxis are not subject to surge pricing in demanding times.

“[Uber] drivers are getting their bump every day no matter what, whereas the taxi industry is fairly known for being consistent for consumers and they don’t pay that surge pricing,” Enders said.

Enders also said taxi ridership is going back up with fewer public health restrictions in place, and he hopes for a busy season.

“We’re going in the right direction, hopefully with Stampede coming out, it’s going to be a full stampede, it’s going to be great,” Enders said. “And I think people want to get back out and start living a normal life.”