Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is launching a pilot beginning September 30 to determine if mandatory pre-payment will reduce fare disputes in taxis.
Between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week, all taxi passengers will be required to pay a $10 deposit at the beginning of their 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.
“We’ve consistently heard that fare disputes have been identified as one of the main sources of conflict in taxis,” said Councillor Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “Through this pilot, we hope to find out if mandatory pre-payment will help make taxi rides a safer and more equitable experience for both drivers and passengers.”
Additional pilot terms
- 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.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, please visit: City of Winnipeg – Mandatory Pre-Payment Pilot for Taxis