There will soon be 126 new taxi cabs on the road in Calgary – just in time for the busy holiday season.
The new plates were released in a special lottery held by the city Wednesday.
Anxious drivers gathered to see if they’d be one of the lucky winners.
For many, winning the plate lottery is a big deal because it means more freedom and a better income.
Cabbies say owning your own plate eliminates high rental fees and seven-day a week shifts, driving for brokers.
The city says it will be easier for people to get cabs at peak demand times.
“These taxi plates have been mandated that the operator has to work or Friday and Saturday nights,” said Carissa Vescio, of the City of Calgary.
“In addition, the taxi plate will help create more cabs that will be available for the Christmas and News Years season.”
More than 1,800 drivers went home empty handed but vowed to apply for the next round of plates, expected in the New Year when another 260 will be made available.
This is the largest single increase in taxi plates since the city froze licenses more than 30 years ago.
There are more than 4,000 taxi drivers in Calgary, but only 700 own their own plates.
Taxi brokers are not allowed to apply for any of the new plates.
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