Morden and Winkler have collaborated on a unified taxi and lift-sharing by-law now that the responsibility for regulation has fallen on local municipalities.

"I wanted to make sure it was consistent in the region," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says, adding it wouldn't make sense to have different rates between the two communities.

"We're happy to be able to work together with our neighbours," he says.

Morden Deputy Mayor Irvin Wiebe explains the by-law details the range of fees taxis and other companies can charge. It also states a community can only have one taxi per 2,000 population.

The maximum charge for a ride from Morden or Winkler to Winnipeg is $225. The maximum for a trip between Winkler and Morden is $30.

Wiebe says together with Winkler they wanted to ensure the legislation was reasonable and enforceable.

"It was a joint effort."

The new legislation could also pave the way for vehicle-for-hire companies like TappCar which is in talks with Winnipeg officials to begin offering services.

"It opens it up so it's legal, the criteria is now there for how you can establish a business like Uber or any ride-sharing organization," Harder explains.

The Local Vehicles of Hire Act dissolves the Taxicab Board and required cities like Morden and Winkler to regulate their own vehicles-for-hire industry.

Exempt from the by-law are the Morden Handivan, South Central Resource Centre Transportation Program, Winkler Salem Home Handivan, Winkler Senior Centre Handivan and the Winkler Gateway Resources Bus.