IQALUIT
Iqaluit's taxi fares haven't increased in seven years, and there appears to be little opposition to increasing the rate by one dollar to $7 from the current rate of $6. Only a couple of residents showed for a taxi review board meeting to discuss the issue.

Chahid Zeidan, right, is a taxi dispatcher who worked as a driver for many years. "I never saw a city that will stay seven years without getting a meter increase," he told the taxi review board. - Casey Lessard/NNSL photo

"I absolutely, positively, 110 per cent agree on the taxi increase," said Kathy Hanson, who says she takes taxis once in a blue moon. She spread the word about the meeting and was disappointed to see only a few people show.

"If you are increasing it by an extra dollar, I want to make sure I am being served with respect because I respect drivers," she noted. "If my car is broken, I'll take a taxi. When I get into a taxi in the morning, take me there safely. Increase it, but provide good service. Smoke-free, dope-free, be happy when you have a customer."

Speaking by telephone, Wendy Ireland of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society said she does not support the increase.

"It probably will be quite difficult for people with disabilities who are on a limited income," Ireland said. She also pointed out that people with disabilities are underserved by the current system.

"If we want to truly be an inclusive community, we need to make sure all residents are able to access the community through regular and typical situations, such as a taxi company having an accessible taxi for wheelchair users."

Pai-Pa Taxi owner Craig Dunphy said he supports that idea, but that it is too expensive for the amount of time the vehicle would sit idle. It's hard enough staying afloat under the current regime.

"This is the only industry in this town, if not the territory, that has to fight and kick and scream, bitch, whine, complain to get a raise," Dunphy said. "There is nowhere in this city where you will pay the same price today as you did seven years ago, six years ago, five years ago, four years ago."

Taxi dispatcher Chahid Zeidan, who has worked in the taxi industry for 26 years, much of it in Ottawa, spoke of his experiences elsewhere.

"The refusal of an increase is something shocking me," Zeidan said, noting that in Ottawa, "the city looks at the inflation rate and the cost of living. I never saw a city that will stay seven years without getting a meter increase. The inflation rate is on average three per cent, and when you're talking seven years, the accumulation would be 25 to 30 per cent. I don't see a dollar as a big issue."

He also noted the number of taxis that have been on the road for more than 10 years in the extreme Arctic climate.

"This is something we should be concentrating on," Zeidan said. "They should get the dollar and try to upgrade their vehicles."

One of the proposed upgrades is the idea of security cameras, which board chair Noah Papatsie supported as mandatory for all cars. Ireland also supports the idea.

"We believe that having a camera in the vehicles will increase the protection offered not only to the driver, but perhaps will help to settle any disputes, complaints and issues around discrimination," Ireland said.

But Dunphy said it puts an undue burden on companies and drivers, who are already spread thin financially. Also, the privacy and process burdens associated with cameras is not worth the perception of security.

"Do you think that every time somebody calls and says, 'I want to see the camera from last night because I think I lost my purse in your car', that bylaw is going to run over and check the trunk?" he said, indicating that access to the video would be limited to the city's enforcement officers. "They've got better things to do. So do I."

He pointed out that drivers already have the freedom to install cameras if they choose.

"I do not think we should be mandated by council to do so," he said.

After the discussion, the board moved to recommend the fare increase to $7, with the elders rate remaining at $5. The board chose not to pursue mandatory security cameras because council already supports companies installing cameras if they choose.