Toronto Taxi Alliance says it won’t implement surge pricing

Some of the biggest taxi services in the GTA will not implement surge pricing.

A spokesperson for the Toronto Taxi Alliance said that despite city council approving the move in a recent bylaw change, it would be unfair to customers to charge more just because there’s a storm or an issue with the subway.

Toronto Taxi Alliance executive director Rita Smith said cab companies have been inundated with calls from riders and drivers about surge pricing since council approved new rules last week.

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On May 3, as Toronto city council approved a bylaw that would allow Uber to operate legally in Toronto, it also decided that approved new rules that would let taxis to adopt surge-pricing – but only for fares that are booked through an online app.

Smith said someone heading home with $20 in their wallet should be confident that a taxi ride, which cost $15 on a Tuesday, will still cost $15 on a Saturday — not $30, $45 or $90.

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“We believe that surge pricing has no place in superior customer service, and is not an activity engaged in by professionals – especially not professional drivers responsible for the safety of vulnerable passengers,” Smith said in a statement.

“A senior citizen travelling to a doctor’s appointment should feel safe knowing in advance what the charge will be whether or not it is raining, or if the TTC is down,” she continued.

Members of the taxi alliance include Beck Taxi, City Taxi, Co-Op Tax and Diamond Taxi.

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Surge pricing is used by the ride-share service Uber. It which automatically increases rates when the demand is high.

Uber Canada said surge prices ensure reliability and availability for those who agree to pay a bit more.