Mahmoud Rabaa first started driving a taxi in 1985. Now, he says it might be time to get out of the business.
“It's just like you're doing a minimum wage job. That's it,” says Rabaa.
That’s why Ottawa’s taxi union is asking for a seven per cent increase in fares. Drivers say the rising costs of gas and insurance have pushed them to their limits after not asking for a fare increase since 2008.
“In the last two years, at least 40 per cent extra in our expenses. So seven per cent is nothing, but we understand we cannot ask for more,” adds Rabaa.
Some taxi users say the current cost is already too much, the rising price of transportation making it hard to find an alternative.
“I can't even afford a cab now so I bus. I don't think they should increase it,” says one woman.
Taxi drivers are hoping the public will understand they have no other choice.
Making matters worse, they say Ottawa’s heavy construction season has left them waiting in traffic for up to hours between fares.
Linda Anderson, Ottawa’s By-Law and Regulatory services, says the city has been notified of the proposed fare increase. All taxi meter rates require City Council approval.
With a report from CTV’s John Hua
