Long wait times and high costs are just a couple of complaints Coun. Brian McKinnon hears from the public when it comes to catching a cab in Thunder Bay.
Last call at the bar or flying in late to the airport can be a tough time for someone in need of a ride.
"They may wait for hours, McKinnon said. “I’m not exaggerating, hours."
While he understands the frustration, he's asking people to be patient while a new committee he chairs works on a solution.
A major issue is the number of licenses, 90, handed out by the Thunder Bay Police Service.
McKinnon said it might be time for the city to issue more licenses to get more cabs on the street. The committee will also look at whether licensing should be handed over to the city of Thunder Bay's bylaw enforcement office.
Already overworked, that may lead to an additional bylaw enforcement officer to deal with the issues full or part time.
"Clearly I think if it did go to the bylaw office it would probably have to increase the number of officers," McKinnon said.
But those are just suggested solutions to a problem that has frustrated cab-goers for years. Drinking and driving laws have put more people in need of a cab. But McKinnon also worries that wait times and costs might put more drunk drivers behind the wheel, which is part of the reason he wants the committee to work quickly.
"We are not going to let this sit," he said.
The committee, which includes McKinnon and other police services board members along with the city bylaw manager and solicitor, are going to meet with cab companies and other stakeholders. That conversation will also include the costs of taking a cab.
"Are they high? Absolutely but does that mean they can lower them and still make money," McKinnon said. "They're a private businesses."
The committee will meet in December. McKinnon is hoping to have some recommendations ready for spring.
