Saint John cabbies hope to derail new meter bylaw

Many taxi drivers in Saint John are still hoping to derail a new city bylaw that will make meters mandatory and force older cabs off the road, starting onJune 1.

The cabbies, who have resisted meters for decades, claim fares will increase, which will drive customers away.

They also contend any vehicle that has been inspected and deemed safe should be permitted, regardless of its age.

The cabbiesplan to meet on March 20 to discuss next steps.

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"We should all band together, contact a lawyer," said Troy Allan, a driver who also owns five taxis driven by other cabbies.

"As far as I'm concerned, I think our rights were violated because we're being forced into something that we don't want to do," said Allan,one of several drivers who spoke to CBC News about the issue this week.

Driver Jerry Chase warns "fares are going to go sky high" under the metered system.

"We haul a lot of senior citizens and they're all on fixed income," said Chase, 80, who wears a hat embroidered with, "Saint John's Oldest Cabbie." "They can't afford it, just can't afford it," he said.

Gathering data

The cabbies say one member of their group has beenusing a meter to gather data, comparing the current zone system with the proposed new meter rates.

They say the results will be startling to passengers.

The chair of the city's Taxicab Advisory Board admits fares will go up under the proposed new rate, but says it's not set in stone.

Ralph Holyoke says the meter rate could be adjusted down,if that's what drivers and owners want.

But he says there was extensive consultation before the bylaw was passed by city council lastJune.

Holyoke says cab licences are renewed at the end of May and those without meters will not be licensed.

Saint John Coun.David Merrithew, who seconded the motion to pass the new bylaw, claims some drivers favour the meter system.

He says those who don't need to understand it will soon be the law in Saint John.

"You just can't do what you want to do," said Merrithew. "We do have enforcement people and they will come to see you if you don't comply to the bylaw."