SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - Representatives from Summerside’s taxi industry voiced their fears Monday over a new taxi stand starting up in the city.
Tim Reeves, a local Summerside businessman, announced his desire to start a new taxi stand company because he saw a need in the city. He plans to have the company share the same space as his current business - Lucky’s Car Cleaning.
“There are two taxi companies currently operating in the city, with United Taxi putting out 13 licensed and registered taxis, including wheelchair accessible vans,” said Eric Johnston, operator of United Taxi.
While Johnston said they believe there is no need for another taxi company in Summerside, he said it’s only fair if the owner of the new company wants to start one.
Rather, Johnston took issue with the existing bylaws that are in place that allow taxi companies to operate.
City of Summerside bylaws draw clear outlines of what qualifies a taxi company to be licensed and operating, including that if a taxi cab is out of service for more than a week and then use of the cab is started again, the chief of police must be notified.
Johnston said Reeves was more than welcome to start a business, but also called for better updates in the taxi bylaws.
Summerside Mayor Bill Martin agreed.
“It would be appropriate to put these concerns in the parking lot of the governance, policy and strategy committee. They’re all valid. If these bylaw provisions are not being met and are not being honoured, then one of two things need to happen. Someone needs to be charged or the bylaws need to change.
The motion to approve a taxi stand license for Reeves was approved by council.
