[DARTMOUTH, NS] – Taxi drivers will be staging a protest in Dartmouth this week.
A long-awaited staff report and recommendations for changes to the taxi industry will be presented to HRM's transportation committee on Wednesday.
A representative of the Halifax Taxi Drivers Owners Association told Metro taxi drivers will protest the 1 p.m. meeting at 90 Alderney Dr. over a number of items they disagree with in the report, such as a lack of enthusiasm for a medallion system of passing down taxi licenses, extending the open zones and a smaller-than-expected rate increase.
The last bump to taxi rates was in Oct. 2005. Staff are proposing a 8.9 per cent blended rate, which includes the initial charge, travel rate and waiting time. For example, a 10 km taxi trip would increase from $17.88 to $19.48.
Staff is also recommending an extension to the open zones in order for more taxis to be available to get patrons home from the bars downtown. Staff says the zones should be open Thursday at 11 p.m. to Friday at 6 a.m., Friday at 11 p.m. to Saturday 6 a.m., and Saturday at 11 p.m. to Sunday at 6 a.m.
"Current zone restrictions remain an obstacle to enhancing public safety," was written in the report. "Staff are therefore recommending the zone hours be extended in accordance with the (Halifax Regional Police) request."
