Consultation for the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw has concluded. View the What We Heard About Taxis in 2022 Report by clicking on the link below. Please sign up to stay in the know about next steps for the bylaw.
Click here to read the What We Heard Report
Everyone in Wood Buffalo benefits from a healthy vehicle for hire industry and its services, including taxi, limousine, shuttle services. That's why the municipality is jumpstarting the existing Bylaw review, which began in 2019. During previous engagement, residents and other stakeholders identified many topics for discussion including fares and fees, ridesharing, safety and trust, customer service, professionalism, and so much more.
You're invited to review the Vehicle for Hire What We Heard Report to learn about the region's collective feedback, as well as what was done with your thoughts once engagement was completed. This report will share a highlight of proposed changes to the bylaw as well.
Defining Vehicles for Hire: These are vehicles used or offered for the transportation of at least one passenger in return for compensation and includes but is not limited to taxis and accessible taxis, limos, shuttles, ridesharing vehicles, or a vehicle operated by a Designated Driver. Residents are also invited to speak to Council about the proposed updates on June 14, but must register by noon on Wednesday, June 8. Click here to learn more and register.
Give us a signal: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Get in the driver’s seat to share your thoughts on proposed Vehicle for Hire Bylaw updates! We recognize that some time has passed since engagement ended, but your feedback matters. Do you have anything to add, or do you have thoughts on the proposed bylaw updates?
Shining the High Beams on Proposed Bylaw Updates
Following is a highlight of what to expect for changes within the proposed bylaw updates. Become familiar with these before completing the brief survey.
| 1. | FARE DEREGULATION: Proposed changes also include fare deregulation as a part of an Open Market model in response to Council’s motion to review taxi rates. In this model, the Municipality will set a maximum metered rate at $5.00 for the first 52 metres and $.15 for every 52 meters thereafter, allowing the brokerage to determine the rates as long as it does not exceed the maximum. Alternatively, brokerages or drivers can negotiate a flat fee with a passenger prior to a trip instead of using the metered rate. HOW THIS WORKS: Brokerages can determine the appropriate rate to keep their business viable so long as it is within the maximum rate allowable by the RMWB, then go through the process with Bylaw Services to lock in the determined metered rate for all operating vehicles. If costs to operating a vehicle changes, fare deregulation allows brokerages to adapt their metered rate, going through the same process each time. Passengers can expect a more competitive industry while allowing supporting drivers. |
| 2. | RIDESHARING SERVICES: Better known as ridesharing companies, the bylaw proposes introducing Transportation Network Companies (TNC). Regulated by both the Alberta government and municipal bylaw, this would allow vehicles to operate as a rideshare if they are associated to a TNC and licensed by the Municipality. TNCs must register every vehicle that operates for them with the Government of Alberta and the Municipality. HOW THIS WORKS: Ridesharing companies are held to the same standards as other vehicles for hire, like taxis, in regard to the licensing requirements of the driver and the vehicle. This can be found within the draft bylaw (Section 6). The only difference between taxi and ridesharing vehicle requirements is a meter, top light, or camera. Because ridesharing services can only be acquired through an App and cannot be hired by street hailing, some of these features are not applicable to rideshare vehicles. |
| 3. | DESIGNATED DRIVER SERVICES: The bylaw proposes adding services where someone drives you and your vehicle home for a fee. |
| 4. | NON-PAYMENT FINES: The bylaw proposes adding penalties issued by RCMP and Bylaw Officers to issue a municipal fine in the amount of $500 to passengers who fail to pay their fare. |
| 5. | ENHANCED CRIMINAL RECORD REQUIREMENTS: Criminal Record Checks are already required, though the proposed bylaw changes include enhancing these requirements. Anyone with a serious criminal conviction in the past 10 years before the date of application would not be eligible to obtain a chauffeur permit. The focus remains on offences that would be a concern to passengers of vehicle for hire (e.g. sexual assault, murder, assault causing bodily harm, human trafficking, drug-related charges, etc.). Did you know taxis and accessible taxis are required to have a fully functional digital recording system that is in operation at all times? This has been invaluable to keep both passengers and drivers safe and accountable. |
| 6. | PASSENGER CLEANING CHARGE: Drivers would have the ability to charge $250 surcharge for the clean-up of biohazardous materials (vomit, urine, feces, or blood). HOW THIS WORKS: Drivers will use evidence to prove when a passenger has caused the driver to thoroughly clean their vehicle. This $250 fine is reflective of the necessary costs to the driver to meet cleanliness requirements within the bylaw, being mindful that the driver is forced to take the vehicle off the road due to the biohazard. |
| 7. | ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE FOR HIRE LICENSE FEE WAIVED: One of the proposed changes is the waiving of the $500 Vehicle for Hire license fee for accessible vehicles. This incentive is to encourage taxi companies and brokerages to offer accessible transportation options. |
Survey
The Vehicle for Hire Follow-Up Survey
This survey has concluded.
