Dear Editor: I am dismayed to read the proposed new taxi ordinances. They would amount to catastrophic injury to my clientèle.
For instance, Zone 1 (downtown) would shrink by about 90%. Formerly, downtown was everything between the Trooper Academy and Davidoff Street. Under the new proposed rules, it ends at the roundabout. And the fare in the downtown/core area will increase 66%, from $6 to $10.
Zones 2 and 3 are Halibut Point Road and Sawmill Creek Road, respectively. Formerly there were four, or five fare zones out either road. The proposed new HPR fare zone begins at the roundabout and runs up Erler Street.
Zone 2 (from downtown) is a proposed $18 cab fare. Tongass Credit Union, Paxton Manor, Lakeside (from downtown) will all jump to an $18 fare. At Sea Mart, fares jump to $30.
Even more ridiculous is the Police Chief’s proposed $250 fine for taxis that not just overcharge, but those that ‘‘undercharge’’ as well. I find it preposterous, ludicrous, ridiculous that the chief would seek to penalize taxis for offering competitive fares, and for handicapped and economically challenged riders. The proposed new 300% increases actually inflict those challenges. No one can afford to pay $36, or $60 per day for transportation to and from work.
Nobody will go out to the downtown bars and taverns if it costs them $18 or $30 for cab fare home.
The new rules reduce the number of zone fares. Formerly fares increased by $1 increments – four, five, six times out either road. The new rates are only two, out either direction. $18 or $30. Nothing in between.
The Assembly takes up this issue Aug. 11. I urge community members to comment against the unworkable proposed taxi ordinances to your elected Assembly representatives. Or to write the Assembly at 100 Lincoln Street.
Sigurd Rutter, Sitka
