COQUITLAM TAXI (1977) LTD.

900 SHERWOOD AVENUE - COQUITLAM, B.C. V3K 1A6 - PHONE 524-5450

sn, COUNCIL

APR 16 1884 APR 30 1984

The Mayor and Council, City of Port Coquitlam, City Hail,

2272 Meallister Avenue, Port Coquitlam, B.C. V38C 2A8

Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members:

Re: Lower Mainland Regional Taxi Licensing

On May 14th, 1984, the Motor Carrier Commission of British Columbia is holding an open forum to receive submissions in respect to the manner in which taxi cabs operating in the Lower Mainland Area are to be licensed.

As you may be aware, taxis are presently licensed by the Motor Carrier Commission to pick up passengers and freight generally only in designated municipalities for transportation within the municipality or to designations anywhere in the Province of British Columbia. When a taxi leaves the municipality with a passenger, it is unable to pick up passengers or freight in other municipalities for the return trip. This often results in taxis leaving the suburban areas in the Lower Mainland with passengers whose designation is in Vancouver, and then returning empty. Moreover, it is not possible for taxis operating in the suburban municipalities to pick up fares in Vancouver or other municipalities unless specifically licensed to do so, even if the customer requests such service. The result is less competition, higher operational costs and less service, particularly for residents in the suburban areas.

If all taxis operating in the Lower Mainland Area were licensed on a regional basis, they would be able to pick up passengers at any point within the region and thereby provide service as may be requested by the passenger and hopefully utilize taxis to full capacity. Because taxi fares must be approved and are generally monitored by the Motor Carrier Commission, a regional

system would also, hopefully, result in lower fares.

APR 30 1984 Note: Me. Philos 1% expected

to be on attesdance City Clee