POLICE SERVICES BOARD CONSIDERS TAXI FARE INCREASE

Owen Sound, Ontario, October 4, 2013- At its last public meeting, the Owen Sound Police
Services Board heard delegations from representatives of our taxi community. They asked the
Board to consider implementing a “flat-rate” fare system, whereby everyone in Owen Sound
would pay the same amount for in-city rides. As well, representatives asked the Board to
consider a modest fare increase (i.e., $1.00/ride) that would take into account high fuel costs
and our HST. The last fare increase, in Owen Sound, took place in 2002, prior to the
implementation of the HST.

Currently, the OSPSB sets a maximum amount that can be charged for in-city rides. It is
$8.00/ride. There is no minimum. Consequently, companies can undercut the established
maximum fare (in some cases as much as $2.00/ride). This, it was argued, adversely impacts
on the drivers’ ability to make a living.
“The Owen Sound Police Services Board would like to hear from concerned
citizens regarding this,” said Board Chair, Gary Levine. “We’ve heard from
the industry, now we’d like to hear from the riders.”

This matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the OSPSB, October 16. Members of the
public are encouraged to write the Board. E-mail messages can be sent to either the Chair,
Gary Levine ([email protected]) or to the Board’s Secretary, Kelly Jo Calver
([email protected]) prior to October 16. Letters can be sent to the Police Station
as well (922 2nd Ave. West, Owen Sound, Ont. N4K 4M7).

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.