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.
October 20, 2023
Metered taxi rate norms in B.C.
| Flag | Distance (per km) | Wait time (per hour) |
High | 6.50 | 4.81 | 69.30 |
Average | 3.69 | 2.28 | 44.57 |
Low | 2.25 | 1.69 | 28.25 |
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.
Operating areas with common rates rules
There are eight different common rates rules defined in the Board's Rates rules manual. These rules establish standard rates for all licensees in the following regions and municipalities:
- Capital Regional District (CRD)
- Fraser Valley
- Kelowna
- Metro Vancouver and area
- Nanaimo
- Penticton
- Prince George
- Port Alberni
Rates rule - Standard Rule for Taxi Rates
The Board's Rates Rule - Standard Rule for Taxi Rates contains all requirements for taxi licensees' rates, fees, and other charges.
Taxi and limousine cost indexing (TLCI)
The Taxi & Limousine Cost Index (TLCI) is an objective tool that the 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 B.C. 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.
Taxi and limousine cost index rule
The Board’s Rates Rule- Taxi and Limousine Cost Index Rule sets requirements for licensees and describes the implementation of the 2023 TLCI process and how it works.
