Travellers be warned: your trips home from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) by taxi just got pricier.
On Oct. 11, the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) approved rate increases on Flat Fare Zone Rates across the Lower Mainland from YVR.
Some of the highest increases are for the Richmond zone, with rates climbing from $20 to $31, and the University of British Columbia zone, with rates increasing from $39 to $46 (see slides two and three to compare old and new prices).
Other significant jumps include North East Vancouver ($43 to $51), UBC South ($28 to $35), Canada Place/Downtown ($38 to $46), and Far East Richmond ($40 to $47).
Most fare zones increased by $6, including Kitsilano/Broadway (formerly Downtown/Kitsilano), rising from $34 to $40, and South East Richmond, increasing from $31 to $37.
The City of Vancouver's central area had the most modest increase, with rates rising from $31 to $35.
Flat Fare Zone Rates increased across Richmond and Vancouver
The flat rates from YVR do not apply to cities outside Richmond and Vancouver.
Zones have also been redefined, by consolidating some areas and adding two new zones.
For example, portions of two downtown zones, (Downtown/Kitsilano) and all of the Canada Place Ballantyne Pier zone were consolidated into the new Canada Place/Downtown zone.
This alteration led to adjustments in two other zones in Vancouver.
In Richmond, the central zone was extended to eliminate the major jump between the North Richmond and North East Richmond zones.
The updated fares include the airport fee referred to as a Premium Location Charge of $4.