All taxi cab’s in Owen Sound will be switching back to meters instead of a flat rate hike.
Currently, the cost to take a cab in Owen Sound is $6 flat — and there was an application to increase that rate to $9.
But in a turn of events at Wednesday’s Owen Sound Police Services Board meeting, the “taxi community” suggested they go back to meters.
Fares are regulated by the Police Board.
Owen Sound 5 Star Taxi Owner Scott Dirstein and Green Taxi Owner Brandon Ramsey both agree it’s the right move.
It will cost taxi companies around $400 to install meters in each one of their vehicles.
The Police Services Board voted to set a deadline of January 1st to have that work done.
The board will consider a rate for the meters at a December 11th meeting.
Dirstein thinks anywhere from $3.85 and up, with 10 cent intervals when stopped, and around $2 per kilometer is fare rate.
Owen Sound Police Chief Bill Sornberger warned the cabbies that his force doesn’t want to spend precious resources on enforcement.
Green Taxi Owner Brandon Ramsey says with today’s meters, there’s a number of indicators for police to see, making it easier for them to notice than spotting a seat belt infraction.
The meter rates will only apply within the city of Owen Sound and anywhere outside will go to a flat rate.
Ramsey believes the meter system will make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities or on a fixed income.
He thinks short trips will be more affordable than having to pay $18 for a round trip — if they had a flat rate of $9.
Owen Sound 5 Star Taxi Owner Scott Dirstein thinks its better for cab drivers who are making less than minimum wage.
He says it will make the companies stronger and encourage more people to drive taxis.
