Mandatory Pre-Payment Set to Begin For Taxis

Manitoba Post StaffNews

WINNIPEG – A new pilot project, designed to reduce fare disputes in taxis is set to begin on September 30.

A mandatory pre-payment of $10 between 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. seven days a week will be required at the beginning of a trip, regardless of trip length. At the end of the trip, passengers will pay the remaining difference, or be refunded if the final fare is less than $10.

Additionally, all payment methods (cash, debit, and credit) are accepted for the deposit.

Refunds may be issued as cash, regardless of initial pre-payment method

Between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., drivers will decline to transport passengers if the pre-payment deposit is not made

Exclusions from the mandatory pre-payment pilot:

Taxi passengers beginning their trip at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

Taxi passengers who present a valid taxi voucher

Taxi passengers who maintain an account with the taxi dispatcher

Personal transportation providers (rideshare) or limousines

The pilot will run for approximately nine months, during which time the City will monitor the number of fare disputes, as well as customer feedback to determine next steps.