Swift Current’s taxi rates may increase soon, as taxi company owners hope to keep up with inflation and maintain the money necessary to represent the City with an updated fleet.

City Council’s last governance meeting brought in Tim Bergara, owner and operator of Phantom Cabs (previously City Wide Cabs), who gave a brief presentation on the reason for their appeal.

“What we agreed to was a nickel increase per 100 metres,” stated Bergara. “We’d leave the meter start rate the way it is, and the wait time the way it is. Another increase is recommended in 2025 which would assist in combatting the inflationary rate of business.”

Bergara listed many expenses which had increased since 2014, which was when the last taxi rate amendment occurred.

“When we have events which get a lot of out-of-town people, we’re the first line they see,” said Bergara. “For instance, my company is sponsoring the curling in November. When updating your fleet, you want something presentable, you’re representing your city.” 

Phantom Cabs is one of the three taxi companies in Swift Current who met with the bylaw department a few weeks ago in order to discuss the topic and make a recommendation.

Another change discussed is to put Safe Places Youth Certification directly in the bylaw with a three-month grace period for all new drivers to become certified. This certification was created by an initiative from the City of Swift Current implemented to improve quality services while reducing the potential risks to youth. All of Bergara’s drivers are already certified, but he wants to make it mandatory.

“We haul a lot of schoolchildren home,” he said. “In the middle of the night, you’re hauling babysitters home, and I think it would make people feel a little bit more at ease.”

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