El Centro cab companies ask city to reconsider proposed rate increase

For almost a decade, taxicab rates in the city of El Centro have been at a flat rate of $5.50 within city limits.

But in that time span, gas prices have increased over 50 percent and minimum wage has increased by almost $3.

The El Centro cab companies proposed a new rate of $7.50. However, only one representative from the cab companies was present at the hearing and agreed to the new rate of $6.

“Far as the council is concerned, we had reached a perfect compromise,” said Cheryl Viegas-Walker, mayor of El Centro.

Friolan Medina, a taxicab owner, said $6 is just not enough.

“You take away what they pay for the cab, plus gas. They go one day with nothing. No money at all. They don’t make anything,” said Medina.

Medina said other cab companies are disappointed with the small increase.

“Well, they’re not happy because of the 50 cents you know. They were expecting more,” said Medina.

George Garcia, another cab owner, said the economy and competition has hurt business.

Garcia said, “Something happened with the economy of Imperial Valley. Every year it’s coming down, it’s coming down. And now we don’t have a lot of customers to pick up and there are seven companies right now. Before [us, there were] only three companies.”

But Mayor Walker said taxicabs are important to the city.

Walker said, “Cab companies continue to play a vital role in our overall transportation strategy. So we need to make sure that they can do business.”

After receiving a letter signed by all the cab companies in the city, Mayor Walker said the council will reconsider the new rate.

“In consideration of their request, we will rehear the item. It will be on our second meeting in September. It’s also going to be an opportunity for the people who are opposed to the increase to come and address the council. So again, we’re looking for that balance between the two groups,” said Walker.