Pilot project for $10 prepaid taxi fare set to begin
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/09/2019 (2227 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Before the meter starts running, nighttime taxi riders in Winnipeg will soon pay $10 upfront.
The nine-month pilot project starting Sept. 30 is designed to reduce fare disputes, which is one of the biggest sources of conflict for riders and drivers.
Passengers will be required to prepay in cash, debit or credit from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week.
“I think, fundamentally, our public service is trying to mitigate conflict between riders and drivers,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), chairman of the city’s public works committee.
“I think it’s going in the right direction. Of course, this is a pilot, so if there are issues in the next nine months we will be able to see what those issues are and respond accordingly.”
The city surveyed more than 900 Winnipeggers before launching the program, the majority of which were riders, but about one-third were drivers.
About 14 per cent of respondents said prepayment should always be required, while another 14 per cent — many of whom wrote in with additional anonymous comments — said prepayment should never be required.
One commented, “THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST IDEAS THIS BUMBLING CITY HAS EVERY COME UP WITH!”
Another said, “Do not do this. It is a cover for the already racist practice of making aboriginal passengers pay up front. We should not do this. This will be a stain on Winnipeg.”
In an FAQ about the pilot project on its website, the city insists that will not happen.
“Having taxi drivers ask for prepayment each and every trip should reduce any potential discrimination,” it states. Riders and drivers are to contact 311 in the event of a dispute, which could result in a $1,000 fine. All licenced Winnipeg taxis are equipped with video and audio surveillance that is transmitted directly to the city.
“This is a policy that applies to everyone,” Allard said. “And if it’s successful we’ll find out in the next nine months. I think it is a good way to find out.”
Upon arrival at the destination, the rider will either pay the remaining fare or be refunded if the total cost is less than $10.
Some survey respondents asked for credit card preauthorizations, similar to what gas stations use after hours. Others asked for a smartphone app. Ultimately, a uniform $10 was determined to be easier to implement and fair, the city said.
The city will evaluate making prepayment permanent once the project concludes.
All taxis will get a decal warning passengers of the pilot program when it begins.
tessa.vanderhart@freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: @tessavanderhart