Cab fares in Prince Edward County are going up for the first time in 14 years.
Cab fares in the county have been the same for over a decade and taxi operators were worried they’ll be forced out of business.
Council had recently discussed proposed rate increases with many councillors believing the proposed new rates were too high and sent the matter back to staff for more consideration.
Council voted in favour of the new rates on Tuesday night during a virtual council meeting.
The flat rate for a cab ride in Picton will be $8 while a ride within a two kilometre radius of Picton would be $9.
All other fares would be set at $1.40 a kilometre. That rate will increase to $1.60 a kilometre on January 1, 2022.
The previous flat rate was $1 a kilometre.
The by-law also suggests taxi fares be reviewed every two years starting in 2022.
Councillor Kate McNaughton sought an amendment to have the next council look at the automatic increase in 2022 but that motion was denied.
Councillor Phil St-Jean said he wasn’t a fan of kicking the can down the road and the businesses and community need the stability that comes with knowing what the increases will be.
The motion was passed unanimously.
