The Toronto-based Energy Probe Research Foundation is applauding the provincial government for its recent decision to amend the City of Toronto Act and allow airport-licensed taxis and limousines to pick up fares in the city. The group believes the province’s decision will lower costs for consumers while improving air quality and reducing congestion.

While Energy Probe’s Executive Director Lawrence Solomon supports the decision by Queen’s Park, he believes there’s more work to be done.

“This is certainly a step in the right direction for the province,” says Solomon. “But the province should abolish all municipal licensing of taxis and allow taxis to operate across municipal lines.”

Solomon believes the McGuinty decision is a good one for environmental reasons, as it creates a more efficient taxi service in the city and surrounding areas. Allowing airport taxis and limousines to pick up fares in the neighboring community promotes energy efficiency and helps ease road congestion, as the taxis won’t be making empty runs.

“Forcing taxi drivers to leave the city without picking up fares was a waste of energy and an additional drain on our infrastructure,” he says.

But the decision by Queen’s Park will also benefit consumers in the city and surrounding areas, says Solomon. The increased number of taxis able to pick up fares in the city will decrease wait times for potential costumers. This, he believes, will encourage more people to use taxes as the level of service will be more predictable and, ultimately, cheaper.

Solomon thinks that taxicab deregulation will create a larger market share for taxis services. A more dependable, efficient and cheaper service would encourage residents to rely on taxis rather than on private vehicles.

Contact:

Lawrence Solomon, Executive Director, Energy Probe, 416-964-9223 ext 241 or lawrencesolomon@nextcity.com.