Taxi rates
Taxi operators use taxi meters to display fares to passengers. Fares are calculated based on time and distance travelled. In some areas, taxis may charge non-metered rates such as hourly rates, point-to-point rates, zone rates or individual (per person) fares. Taxi operators may only charge rates that are approved by the Passenger Transportation Board (Board). Taxi operators may not charge variable rates that respond to changes in demand.
August 23, 2022
Metered taxi rate norms in B.C.
| Flag | Distance (per km) | Wait time (per hour) |
High | 5.10 | 4.48 | 66.27 |
Average | 3.58 | 2.26 | 43.96 |
Low | 2.25 | 1.69 | 26.33 |
NOTES: Rates include 5% GST. Norms are calculated using the metered rates of all taxi licensees in B.C. (excluding dual distance rates and flat rates). Norms for flag rates are rounded to the nearest nickel.
The Board may use the table as a guide when it considers new taxi applications, or taxi rate change applications.
Cities with common rates rules
There are eight common rates rules that establish consistent rates for operators in their specific region:
- Victoria and Area
- Vancouver and Area(610 KB)
- Fraser Valley(102 KB)
- Kelowna(65 KB)
- Nanaimo(51 KB)
- Penticton(516 KB)
- Prince George
- Port Alberni
A list of approved rates for individual taxi licensees can be found here.
Standard rules for taxicab rates
Taxi & limousine cost indexing (TLCI)
The Taxi & Limousine Cost Index (TLCI) is an objective tool that the Passenger Transportation Board uses to identify rate increases for taxis and limousines in British Columbia. The TLCI provides an efficient and fair way for transportation companies to obtain periodic rate increases when operating costs rise. TLCI rate increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for BC. They strike a balance between the interests of transportation operators and the consumers they serve.
In future years, a custom Taxi Cost Index (TCI) will be established.
2023 TLCI
The Board has concluded its Taxi and Limousine Cost Index (TLCI) review for this year and a 7.3% increase will be made available for taxis to request until September 17, 2023.