Soon, it will cost more to hail a cab in Guelph, but it’s in an effort to help cab companies pay for the rising costs associated with operating businesses.
Taxi companies in the Royal City haven’t asked for an increase to fares since 2022. Those companies include Red Top Taxi and Canadian Cab.
Fares are regulated by the City of Guelph, and council approved a 6.7 per cent increase at a meeting this week.
“Economic circumstances have changed quite substantially since 2022; fuel and operating costs have increased, prompting the taxicab companies to request an increase in fare rate,” reads the report from staff.
After these changes, when someone sits in a cab, the initial rate is $3.41, and then $2.77 for every kilometre thereafter.
The increase is “conservative and modest” according to city staff, adding that it would cost the city under $2,000 to make the changes to these fares.
“In consideration of the extended time since the last fare increase, and the competitive rates as compared to other municipalities, staff recommend that council approve the request received from the taxicab companies for an increase in taxicab fares,” added staff in the report.
Rivals to Guelph cab companies include rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber, companies whose fares aren’t regulated by the City of Guelph.
