The City of Kingston is taking control of local taxi regulation, revealing a $230,000 deficit in the accessibility program run by Modern City Taxi. The discovery was made after the taxi company reported non-payment and lack of response from the Kingston & Area Taxi Commission (KATC). City officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Lanie Hurdle, have stepped in to cover costs, paying out approximately $16,000 weekly to sustain the program.
Hurdle highlighted the unsustainable nature of the current program, estimating a yearly cost exceeding $830,000, significantly surpassing the $300,000 to $350,000 in revenue generated. Concerns also arose regarding a $60,000 loan issued by the city for vehicle purchases by the commission.
Councillor Brandon Tozzo urged changes in leadership within the commission and called for a forensic audit to investigate financial mismanagement. Tozzo’s resignation from the commission stemmed from what he described as a severe lack of financial accountability.
The program, which offers subsidized transportation for approved passengers with disabilities, charges a $3.50 fare for one-way trips, partly funded by fees from ride-hailing services like Uber. The commission attributed its financial struggles to inadequate subsidies and criticized the city’s handling of the situation as aggressive.
Despite council’s decision to dissolve the commission and take over its duties, the program will be maintained on an interim basis. However, significant modifications are deemed necessary for its sustainability, including restricting eligible trips and reassessing participants based on specific criteria.
City council is set to deliberate on assuming control of the program on November 18. KATC spokesperson Luca Bucci expressed optimism that with proper funding and collaboration, Kingston could enhance its accessible taxi service, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency and constructive dialogue.