Winthrop Joint Committee Sends Taxi Fare Hike to Full Council With No Stance

Finance Committee · Meeting of June 30, 2026

Winthrop joint committee punts on taxi fare increase, sends it to full council without a recommendation. The Finance Committee and Rules and Ordinance Committee met jointly June 30 in the Harvey Hearing Room and voted 5-0 to refer Winthrop Taxi's proposed $2 in-town fare increase to the full Town Council without a positive or negative recommendation, requiring a public hearing before any change takes effect under Chapter 528.140. The proposed increase — from $8 to $10 for standard riders — represents a 25 percent jump and follows a $1 increase approved last year, meaning fares would have risen 39 percent over two years.

John Morgan of the Council on Disabilities urged the committee to weigh the burden on elderly and mobility-challenged riders, arguing that a $2 increase "would be a hardship for others and also a hardship for the taxi drivers because that would lessen their tips." Councilor Tassaneri floated the idea of a smaller senior-rate increase as a possible compromise. The taxi company's owner, identified only as Sean, was not present to justify the proposal.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,473 words

Source: the Finance Committee meeting of June 30, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.