With gas prices still on the rise, taxi companies are feeling the effects.
Taxis in Antigonish have asked for a rate increase of one dollar while a review is conducted by town staff.
At last night’s regular council meeting a motion was passed to increase the flat rate in town from $7 to $8 for an eight week period while a review is underway.
Mayor Laurie Boucher said price increases need to be handled carefully.
“With the price of gas going up that’s out of the pocket of the business owner and the driver as well, but you have to remember that the large majority of the people who use the taxi cabs are people with low income, with financial troubles or barriers in place.”
Boucher said that between the taxi companies and the transit system, they might be able to find a better solution.
“We talked about partnerships and how we can get things done and with both of those industries working together we might be able to find a solution.”
Taxi companies have also asked for more flexibility within the bylaws.
They last received a rate increase in 2015.
