Iqaluit plans taxi bylaw review

Iqaluit is planning toupdate its taxi bylaw in the new year, and at least one taxi driverhopes there will be tougher standards.

ReneMarois, whohas worked as a taxi driver in Iqaluit for 20 years,says there are taxi drivers who don't play by the rules.

"You park atNorthMartand look at the vehicles there, the taxis, and you and you will realize very fast we don't have the same rules," he said.

He says somecharge less than the standard $6fare;some owner-operators only come in January and Februarywhen it's the best money;some let passengers smoke in their cabs andMaroissays many do the bare minimum ofmechanicalmaintenance on their vehicles.

Fares are also likely to change.The city's review committee has heard several suggestionssuch as taxi meters or zone-based fares.

"Their last raise was in 2006, so they obviously want a raise," said city councillor Kenny Bell. "But one thing that was surprising was they actually want the downtown core to be $5,which is a dollar less than it is currently, but they would like to have the farther you go out, the more it would cost."

Passengers will also likely see signs in English and Inuktitut in cabs listingthe new rules and rates.

Bell says the committee will ask the public for feedbackand make recommendations to city council at the end of January.