PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Taxicab Commission has approved a long-awaited rate increase for County Rainbow Taxi.

Last Wednesday, the panel voted to change the city's ordinance that caps the rate at $2.50 and 30 cents for each additional 1/8 of a mile thereafter to $3.50 and 40 cents.

The increase required an amendment of the City Code Chapter 21, Sections 21 to 23.

Manager Rick Knights explained that the rate was changed in March because the company was concerned about keeping drivers.

"That was the main goal," he said. "That money went directly to them."

Knights also said Rainbow Taxi is really a service that the owners, the Renzi family, provides and that it works because it shares share mechanics, dispatch, and office employees with other companies.

Reportedly, there hasn't been an increase or request since 2005. The taxi company wanted to put in a request but had been past the deadline of Dec. 1, so it was decided that the commission get back together and fix the ordinance to have a different timeline or make an exception to change it.

The re-constituted panel had its first meeting last month.

County Rainbow has nine taxicabs and the number of vehicles out in the field varies based on demand, daytime being the busiest.

The average trip within Pittsfield costs around $10 to $12 based on the previous rate.

The increase does not change the company's wait time fees, which are $18 an hour or 30 cents per minute.

Commissioner Anuja Koirala said her biggest problem with the company's service is the wait time from when a person requests a taxi.

She said it has never been less than a 30-minute wait after calling the dispatcher and would like to look into ways to decrease that time.

Knights agreed with her sentiments but pointed to the local and national deficiency in workers.

"Just like every other company in the United States, it's tough getting people to drive," Knights said. "It really is."

He added that the drivers are not employees, as they lease the vehicles, and they cannot be directed under the system.

The commission also heard from resident Deborah Andrus, who said during public comment that she would like to start her own business providing rides.

‘'I want to start a car business here in Pittsfield basically, Berkshire County, and I want to do it legally," She said to the commission, adding that she would be running the business from her cell phone.

Chair James Clark directed her to apply for a livery service, which applied an arranged ride for a fee.

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