Saint John's taxi industry moving to comply with new meter bylaw

Saint John's largest taxi companies are preparing for new rules that will apply to the industry in June but that has not put the brakes on the opposition among many cab drivers.

The new bylaw, whichmandates both the meters and newer cars, follows decades of debate and strong resistance from many in the industry.

The process of getting ready for the new rules was starting on Wednesday asamechanicwas installing a meter at Diamond Taxi, the city's largest cab company.

Meanwhile, two office staff members at Vet's Taxi, the city's second largest company, confirmed they are also installing meters.

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The two companies represent the majority of the city's taxis and are preparing for the bylaw. But that doesn't mean the frustration among drivers has died down.

Adam Grisdale said hepredict a backlash from customers, who will see increased fares on medium and longer trips.

"They're going to be very angry," said Grisdale.

"I have a funny feeling that we're going to be having more customers that we're going to have to call the police because they're jumping out of the vehicle, just taking off, not paying us."

Grisdale saidafter June 1he may contract a rate for customers, something that is allowed in the bylaw, as long as the meter is also used to keep record of the trip.

"Those ratesno one's going to keep calling us," said Jason O'Toole, who is also a driver.

"They're going to get on the buses, which is exactly what the city wants."

'Majority aren't ready yet'

Kevin Ramsay, vice-president of the newly-revived Saint John Taxi Owners and Operators Association, saidhis group is still hoping for an extension to the June 1deadline for meters.

"Fact remains the majority aren't ready yet," said Ramsay.

"It doesn't matter how we got to this point, we're at this point."

Ramsay saidhe'd like the bylaw changed so the maximum meter rate set by city council can be lowered by the industry in consultation with the city hall.

One official said the city's taxi industry has to accept part of the blame for any issues with the new rules.

Ralph Holyoke, the chair of Saint John's Taxicab Advisory Committee, saidthe city can't be blamed for the rates because the industry, hoping installation of the meters could be averted, made little effort to work with his committee.

"There hasn't been a lot of co-operation yet," said Holyoke.

"If they feel the rates are too high they can be adjusted. They will be adjusted."

But changing the rate will require an amendment to the bylaw, a process that under normal circumstances will take two to three months.