The Charlottetown Airport Authority has announced an increase to taxi fares for trips to and from Charlottetown's airport, effective Nov. 1, marking the first rise in roughly four-and-a-half years.
New flat fares, simpler zones
Under the change, rides between Charlottetown and Charlottetown Airport (YYG) will rise from $20 to $23. Trips that begin or end in Stratford or Cornwall will increase from $30 to $35. For journeys elsewhere on Prince Edward Island, the fare will move to a metered rate of $2.50 per kilometre.
| Route | Current fare | New fare (effective Nov. 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottetown – Airport | $20 | $23 |
| Stratford/Cornwall – Airport | $30 | $35 |
| Elsewhere on PEI | Varies | $2.50 per km |
The authority says the adjustment is intended to keep taxi pricing easy to understand for drivers and passengers while recognising rising operating costs for drivers — factors such as fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
Why the hike now
Doug Newson, chief executive officer of the Charlottetown Airport Authority, said the goal was to maintain consistent, straightforward rates rather than create a complex system of zones. He added that the authority canvassed drivers for feedback in recent months before finalizing the change.
"We like to keep the rates consistent and easy to understand as opposed to a bunch of different zones, so this way we try to keep it as simple as possible for both the drivers and the passengers,"
Newson also highlighted the need to ensure taxi service is attractive enough to secure drivers willing to serve the airport, particularly for late-night and early-morning flights when demand can be sporadic. That point resonates with drivers who say rising costs have made some trips less profitable.
Local drivers respond
Longtime Charlottetown cab driver Balwinder Singh, who has worked with City Taxi for three years, told reporters he has never received a fare increase in that time. Singh described the rise as "not a big change," but timely given climbing fuel and maintenance costs.
"Fuel prices are increasing, so I think it will be good for [the] driver but not for the passengers who are going to, from airport because it will cost them more,"
Drivers have been among those asked for feedback as the authority reviewed fares. The authority says the change aims to balance passenger affordability and driver compensation so that taxi availability at YYG remains reliable.
What this means for travellers and the community
- Travellers will see modestly higher fixed fares for the common Charlottetown–YYG and Stratford/Cornwall–YYG routes starting Nov. 1.
- The move is intended to support taxi drivers dealing with increased operating expenses and to encourage coverage for off-peak hours.
- Passengers travelling beyond the three named zones should expect metered charges at the new per-kilometre rate.
The fare change comes as air travel patterns continue to recover and fluctuate post-pandemic, with airports and ground-transport providers across the country periodically reassessing how best to set fares so services remain sustainable. In Charlottetown's case, the airport authority says the adjustment was designed with simplicity in mind while responding to real cost pressures on drivers.
Officials at the airport authority did not release detailed projections on how the change will affect trip volumes or driver earnings, but said consultations with drivers informed the decision. The change will be in effect for trips beginning Nov. 1 unless the authority issues further amendments.
Travellers planning airport trips in November and beyond should factor the small increase into their budgets and may wish to confirm fares when booking or contacting taxi companies directly.
