[URBAN NOTE] "UP Express fare drop another blow to taxis: drivers group"

[rfmcdonald]

Metro Toronto notes that Toronto taxi drivers are upset with dropping Union-Pearson Express fares. This is not going to help their cause, not in the age of Uber.

Lowering fares on the UP Express is another blow the city’s already struggling taxi industry, drivers say.

“It will significantly hurt the taxi business and the limos working at the airport,” said Sajid Mughal, president of the driver’s group iTaxiworkers. “It will hurt everyone.”

The cash price of the UP Express from Union Station is $27.50, coming in at a little more than the half price of a taxi to the airport from downtown and making it cost effective for couples travelling together to take a cab. But, when Metrolinx drops its price on March 9, a couple will be able to make the trip for $24.

There’s no doubt it will eat away at drivers’ income at a time when they’re continuing to take hits from Uber, according to Mughal.