Saint John cabbies seek halt of proposed taxi bylaw

Cab drivers in Saint John are calling on city council to not proceed with anew taxi bylaw that would force vehicles older than seven years off the road.

Industry representatives say the age of a vehicle does not determine its roadworthiness.

But tourism officials contend the bylaw, which is ready to go to council for a final vote after years in the making,is needed to clean up the industry.

About 65per cent of taxis in the city are currently older than sevenyears, according to municipal statistics. If the bylaw passes, all those vehicles would have to be replaced by next May.

"This bylaw will knock drivers off the road and into unemployment," said Dave Gaudette, of theSaint John Taxi Owners and Operators Association, which was recently revived to fight the bylaw.

Safety comes through maintenance, it comes through enforcement.- Dave Gaudette,Saint John Taxi Owners and Operators Association

Age limits on cabs are common in other jurisdictions.

But Gaudette contends the bylaw is too heavy-handed and that any concerns about the industry could be better addressed through other means.

"Safety comes through maintenance, it comes through enforcement," he said.

During a city-run information session with drivers on Wednesday morning, Gaudettecalled for council's vote on the bylaw to be postponed indefinitely until the association can get a lawyer.

He also demanded a meeting with city officials to discuss some of the key issues, includingvehicle age, fares, insurance and training.

Bylaw important for tourism

Coun.Bill Farren, who sits on the committee reviewing the proposed bylaw, says it'slate to demand an indefinite delay.

"I think Johnny-come-lately is a little robust with the request, but hey, everyone has their right," he said.

Mike Belliveau, president of Hospitality Saint John, which represents hotels and restaurants, hopes to see the bylaw implemented.

"We're predominantly concerned about the appearance that our cabs have to our tourists," he said.

"A lot of time they are the first people ourtourists have an experience with, and they are ambassadors for the city. It's nice to have safe, clean cabs, and meters, I think, also present a clear fare for the tourists."

The proposed bylawwould seethe installation of meters, which would result in an increase in fares across the city.

For example, the fare from city central to the airport on the east side would jump by about $10 to $40. The trip from Nason Road, on the east side, to the Saint John Regional Hospital, would be about $22, up from the current $14.

Drivers would also be required tocarry moreliability insurance and to submit to a standard training program under the bylaw.

Drivers filled out questionnaires during the information session, which will be analyzedand provided to council. Citizens were also invited to fill out questionnaires during an afternoon information session.

No date has been set for council'sfinal vote on the bylaw.