Donald F. Davis
pp. 7–22
Record
Abstract
Between 1925 and 1950 most Canadian cities experienced a taxi war during which fares and drivers' incomes plummeted. These wars had their origin in the low barriers to entry into the industry, as it became clear in the late 1920's that motor cabs did not need private concessions, special-built cabs, telephone switchboards and taximeters to make a profit. The older firms that had made these investments were able by 1950 to persuade the larger Canadian cities — including Winnipeg and Vancouver, the two featured here — to introduce the present regulatory regime. The imposition of uniform fares, of taximeters, of minimum wages, of liability insurance, as well as limits on entry into the industry (through the medallion system) ended the taxi wars. The industry thereafter operated in a less chaotic, more ethical way. Yet the new regime also reduced the industry's flexibility, making it less helpful in moving the urban masses.
Kimberly Berry
pp. 23–35
Record
Abstract
"She's No Lady" explores the complex relationship between gender identity and work culture as experienced by women taxi drivers in Halifax. Working in a traditionally male industry, women taxi drivers often attract the attention of the press and the public as an amusing novelty or a scandalous disgrace. These reactions are, in part, the result of the popular perception that masculine and feminine domain are mutually exclusive, restricted to men and women separately and respectively. Furthermore, characterized as highly competitive, independent operators in a dangerous industry, taxi drivers embody a popular image of masculinity. While the place of women is generally considered to be outside of masculine culture, women taxi drivers demonstrate the fluidity of gender cultures as they adeptly navigate the contested terrain of their masculine work-culture. Despite the routine comments and questions from passengers and colleagues alike, most women drivers find a considerable degree of membership within the larger community of drivers, and in this sense become "one of the men"; seen first as taxi drivers and then women.
Norman Beattie
pp. 36–52
Record
Abstract
The history of the cab trade in Canada prior to 1914 is a largely unexplored field. This paper outlines the history of cabs in Winnipeg from 1871, when the first livery stables were opened, to 1910, when motorised taxicabs were introduced. The most striking feature of the early cab trade was its unprofitability, stemming the nature of the trade itself and from local conditions that made matters worse. Low revenues, high operating costs, a small and fragmented local market and competition from inside and outside the trade tended to keep individual enterprises small and without sufficient resources to compete with the well-financed taxicab companies that appeared in 1910. The taxicab dealt a severe blow to the horse cab, but the growing numbers of private automobiles also diminished the potential market for both horse cabs and taxicabs. Further, the private automobile created a whole new class of competitors as owners discovered lucrative sidelines in car hire and jitney services.