Games restrictions taking tough toll on taxis

It’s hard to pick up fares and easy to get tickets, cabbies say

KRISTEN THOMPSON/METRO VANCOUVER

Amrik Mahil, president of Black Top and Checker Cabs, poses outside of King Edward Canada Line Station yesterday.

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Published: February 09, 2010 5:17 a.m.

Last modified: February 09, 2010 3:27 a.m.

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With the Canada Line taking much-needed business from Vancouver taxi drivers, the Olympics and its influx of tourists were meant to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling industry.

But new driving restrictions are making it nearly impossible for cabbies to pick up fares and they’re getting ticketed for stopping downtown, said the owner of Black Top and Checker Cabs.

Amrik Mahil said business is down about 45 per cent from previous years because of the Canada Line and the recession, and the Olympic road closures and stopping restrictions are compounding the issue.

“Our mobility has been affected,” he said. “You can’t stop to pick up (passengers) anywhere ... and we can’t drop them off where they want to be dropped off.”

Drivers who do pull over are getting tickets.

“I wish (police) were a bit more lenient, but ... there’s no exceptions,” said Mahil, adding that drivers are working 12- to 15-hour shifts just to break even.

“My wife had to take a second job to supplement our income,” he said.

“We’re as eager to make the Games as successful as everyone else ... and we want to be able to serve people.

“There are a lot of taxis. It’s a question of moving (about the city).”

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