Last month, the Committee of the Whole voted to provide grant funding to the County’s two taxi companies. The motion originated as part of a larger line item for local transportation initiatives, including Uride. Funding comes from the Municipal Accommodations Tax.

The Taxi Support Grant means there will be more vehicles and drivers available for hire in Prince Edward County, especially during peak demand times. It will help with safer, modernized and more comfortable vehicles and services; and increase service hours and locations outside of Picton.

The County had hoped to roll out the program to assist beleaguered cab companies facing high fuel and insurance costs. As the authority governing taxi operations in Prince Edward County, however, it cannot  give grants to private taxi services.

Instead, the County teamed up with the Community Futures of Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington to distribute the funds. Community Futures collects 10 per cent of the funding envelope to administer the program. Applications open soon.