Public input is encouraged regarding a draft bylaw, which recommends repealing the current Taxi bylaw and replacing it with a Vehicle for Hire bylaw.
The proposed bylaw would regulate all vehicles for hire that carry passengers in exchange for a fee, such as taxicabs and private vehicles for hire which would include private transportation companies such as Uber or Lyft, etc.
Some of the highlights are as follows:
- All vehicles for hire must provide insurance for carrying passengers, must meet vehicle safety requirements and must provide police checks etc.;
- No plate limit;
- No zones;
- A dispatch office along with 24-hour dispatch service would no longer be required. If a business wished to have a dispatch/taxi establishment office, it would have to comply with the Zoning bylaw;
- The removal of the dispatch office could permit drivers to use cell phones rather than have a dispatcher;
- The Vehicle for Hire bylaw does not regulate fares/tariffs. The bylaw does state that the rate to be charge shall be posted in a visible manner to any passenger or ensure the passenger is aware of the fare, and has agreed to the fare, to be charged before providing the service.
This bylaw, if approved, would permit an individual who wished to operate his/her own vehicle as a Vehicle for Hire if they met the requirements of the bylaw.
The draft report has been posted to the municipal website for public input.
A public consultation meeting to discuss the draft will be held April 18 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at the Civic Centre.
Council will receive a summary of the public comments and concerns received, and minutes from the public meeting when the draft by-law and report are presented to council in May. Deputations for this item will not be permitted at the May council meeting.
Public comments can be emailed to CKlicensing@chatham-kent.ca.
