The City of Lloydminster says taxi companies can no longer charge debit or credit card surcharges under the updated taxi bylaw, which also clarifies when waiting time can be billed.
Confusion over taxi fares in Lloydminster has sparked debate online, prompting questions about how drivers calculate waiting time and whether extra fees for card payments are allowed.
The questions were raised with the City of Lloydminster after concerns appeared online about waiting time charges and debit or credit card surcharges.
City communications staff say the updated taxi bylaw no longer allows operators to charge extra fees for debit or credit payments.
“Historically, taxis have charged a surcharge for using point-of-sale terminals to support debit or credit card payments. These charges are no longer permitted, and operators are being provided time to transition their practices to comply with the updated regulations.”
They did not define when the requirement would start to be enforced.
The city also clarified how waiting time can be applied during a trip.
“Waiting time per hour is built into the trip after the passenger has been seated in the vehicle and is intended for construction areas, trains or other delays beyond the passenger’s or driver’s control.”
“When the vehicle is in motion, waiting time is not accrued.”
The city says taxis cannot charge waiting fees while travelling to pick up a passenger.
“Taxis waiting for the initial passenger pick-up should not charge any associated fees. However, taxis performing stops during a trip are permitted to charge waiting time.”
The updated bylaw also outlines the meter rates taxis are allowed to charge.
From 2025 to 2027, the base fare is $3.75 for the first 117 metres, followed by $0.25 for each additional 117 metres.
Starting in 2028, the base fare increases to $4.00 for the first 110 metres, followed by $0.25 for each additional 110 metres.
Waiting time is set at $60 per hour.
The bylaw also allows a $10 flat fee for vans or trucks, and a cleaning fee of $100 per hour up to a $250 maximum.
The updated regulations are part of the city’s taxi licensing bylaw, which sets the permitted charges operators can apply to trips in Lloydminster.
Read more: Viper among taxi companies no longer allowed to operate Lloydminster
What is the cleaning fee consist of. Why is the passenger charged this
A fee like this would most likely be charged after a passenger has vomited, or left significant garbage/dirt (far more than the typical passenger).
Maybe you should look at the drivers using their phones as a meter and not their actual meters. When I asked,why he said it was broken and didnt work. Meters are calibrated….phones are not!!
Thanks for reaching out, I’ll be asking some follow-ups in the coming weeks. feel free to reach out to me directly with more details if you can. news@borderpulse.ca