Charlottetown taxi drivers who offer tours to cruise ship visitors are frustrated that they sometimes have to wait in the rain when ships are in port.

'The harbour authority won't even talk to us.'— Chris Garnhum, Fair Island Tours
The Harbour Authority has increased fees for permits at the wharf from $10 to $25 annually and taxi drivers are complaining they're not getting more in return. They want a space inside the visitor centre.

"If it's pouring rain out and it's cold, why won't you let one of each company inside the doors to sell the tours? That's all we ask for," said Chris Garnhum, owner and operator of Fair Island Tours.

Garnhum said at least five taxi tour companies have repeatedly asked for protection from bad weather. "The harbour authority won't even talk to us about anything. We asked different things but we get shot down every time," he said.

Authority CEO Les Parsons said the inside of the Seaport building is set aside for larger tour companies contracted by the cruise lines. He noted this is the first increase for taxi tour operators in years. The fees go to parking lot maintenance.

Parsons said the expense is a small one for drivers who charge $50 an hour for tours.



Read more: CBC News - Prince Edward Island - Cab drivers seek shelter at cruise dock