The price of a taxi ride across town to the Princeton Junction train station just got a little more costly. By a 4-1 vote on September 26, West Windsor Council approved a $3 rate hike.##M:[more]##
The across-the-board increase was approved for destinations in West Windsor to and from the train station.
The council action came in response to a request by taxi drivers at a recent council meeting for a rate increase. The drivers cited high gasoline prices and increasing competition from shuttles and buses.
Councilwoman Heidi Kleinman cast the dissenting vote, stating that taxi rates are already too high.
Under the old rate schedule, set in 2000, trips from the Princeton Junction train station to locations in the township ranged between $5 and $18. The new rates, which went into effect on September 27, increase the charges by $3 per trip. Rates are designated based on street location.
The council actions caps the increase at $3 and allows drivers to charge less, if they desire.
Rates outside of West Windsor, which are not regulated by the township, remain unchanged at $2.50 per mile. Drivers can also charge premiums for special situations such as bad weather, long waiting times, additional passengers, or early or late-morning trips.
There are a total of 39 owner licenses in the township out of a maximum 42 that are allowed to be in operation. The number of licensed drivers is 72. Licensing fees, renewed annually, are $75 per car, and $75 per driver.
