Taxis should be able to park in bus zones

The City of Airdrie recently voted to maintain status quo and prohibit taxi cabs from stopping in bus zones. (See story on page 1).

Normally, we would agree with this decision for safety reasons.

However, in this circumstance, the owner of Avacab Taxis has received approval from Alberta Transportation to provide a shared-ride service within Airdrie, Rocky View County and to Calgary.

The license will allow Avacabs to supplement the region’s (somewhat lacking) transportation services.

Through this approval, Avacab is able to provide service in Airdrie from one bus stop to another for a $5 fee, with at least two passengers.

How can Avacabs’ drivers provide this service, which they have been approved for by the Province, if they are prohibited from stopping in bus zones by the City?

If you have ever tried to take public transportation from Airdrie to Calgary during off-peak hours, you will understand the transit system needs to be improved.

Until we are a large enough city to justify a more frequent bus service, this taxi supplement may be a great solution.

However, the taxi cab company owner needs to have permission to provide the service it is approved for.