Ottawa's main taxi union is asking the city to approve a 10 per cent fare increase to offset climbing gas prices that are hurting their bottom line.
Taxi drivers say they're taking a financial hit and they need the increase to help them cope.
"At the end of the day, it's how much the cab driver makes, minus all the expenses . . . if you make a hundred dollars, 40 goes towards gas," taxi union president Amrick Singh told CTV Ottawa.
The average cab ride in Ottawa is about five kilometres. Right now, that costs about $13. A 10 per cent hike would increase the cost of that trip to $14.30.
Last year, taxi fares in Ottawa climbed by eight per cent to cover the introduction of the harmonized sales tax. But cab drivers say that's not enough to cover the fluctuating cost of gas.
Many customers, though, have a different opinion. Some say another increase would make them think twice about taking a taxi.
"That wouldn't be good, that increase, because I take a taxi quite often, main form of transportation, so it would affect me personally for my budget and everything else," said one taxi customer.
"Probably wouldn't be cabbing very much," added another.
Others say the move would be justified.
"(It's) really a hard way to make a living. (I) think they're entitled like anybody else would be," one resident told CTV Ottawa.
The City of Ottawa already has one of the highest rates for taxi fares in the country, according to Coun. Eli El-Chantiry, who sits on the committee that will consider the request.
"We really have to consider recommendations from our staff before we make any quick decision on this," he said.
The city will examine the taxi industry's request over the summer. Taxi drivers hope the rate hike is approved by fall.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Claudia Cautillo
