Montreal

Montreal taxis to accept debit and credit this October

The city's cab industry is finally joining the 21st century - starting Oct. 15, all taxis will have to accept plastic payments.

Cab drivers will no longer be allowed to refuse clients who ask to pay with plastic

Mayor Denis Coderre said requiring cabs to accept debit and credit will help prevent theft. (CBC)

The last-minute scramble to find cash for your cab will soon be a thing of the past — as of Oct 15, all taxis in Montreal will be required to accept debit and credit cards.

The city's taxi regulations were amended during Wednesday's executive committee meeting.

Coderre said the change will help improve the security of taxi drivers, since they won't have to carry as much cash with them.

He also said offering debit and credit payment options ensures taxis are offering a service worthy of a 21st century metropolis.

The bylaw change states, in French, "drivers must accept electronic payment and can not refuse a client who asks to use that mode of payment."