Some changes have been made to Kenora’s taxi by-law.
That includes a small rate increase for taxis, with the starting rate going from 7 to 8 dollars.
Eric Lovas from Co-ot Taxi says this will help defray the cost of insuring taxis in the fleet.
“It would be tremendous for us to run a cost-effective business,” Lovas told Kenora city council recently.
“We do try to keep our rates reasonable, but $1,000 to $1,500 a month per vehicle (in insurance) before you start your day.”
The by-law also allows private companies to operate in Kenora like Uber or Lyft.
Lovas says he has no problem with competition but says any company that comes into the city should have to abide by the same rates and regulations he does.
“I’m not complaining, I just want to make sure that if another business opens up in town, that’s providing the same service as myself, they have to pay the same fees and are regulated, or maybe it’s time to look at deregulating the taxi industry.”
The city did not change the age of taxis on the road; they still have to be 10 years old or less in order to be licensed.
