Starting Saturday, the cost of taking a taxi in Sherbrooke, Granby and the rest of Quebec will increase by an average of 9.6 per cent.
The hike, which falls short of the 10.2 increase sought by Quebec’s 8,300 tax?i drivers, is meant to help cabbies cope with the rising cost of gas and maintenance, explained the provincial transport commission.
The Commission des transports du Québec, which is charged with evaluating fare hikes, notes that the cost of gas alone has increased by 28.8 per cent while maintenance costs climbed by 8.5 per cent.
The commission, which notes the fair boost is fair for drivers and riders, estimates the taxi tab for a five-kilometre ride will increase by about $1.25.
The drop charge increases from $3 to $3.30. Riders will also pay $1.60 per kilometre and 60 cents per minute of waiting. That compares to the current $1.45 a kilometre and 55 cents a minute today. All costs include provincial and federal sales taxes.
The previous taxi tariff increase was in the fall of 2005.
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Montreal Canadiens
