Yorkton鈥檚 Vehicles for Hire Bylaw is getting an update, its first in a quarter century.
鈥淚n late 2018, a new Vehicles for Hire Act and Regulations was introduced, which included more regulations and requirements to ensure a safer cab industry and also provided provisions to allow for transportation network companies (also known as ridesharing).,鈥� explained Nicole Baptist, Bylaw & Safety Supervisor, with the City at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
At the Sept 14 Council Meeting, Administration was directed to bring back a proposed Vehicles for Hire Bylaw, based on discussions.
Baptiste said the resulting suggested changes come after studying what other jurisdictions are doing.
鈥淎dministration has reviewed many other municipalities鈥� Taxi and Vehicles for Hire Bylaws to ensure our content aligns with what other cities require, but also that our fees and fines are comparable to others,鈥� she explained.
鈥淚n the proposed Bylaw, Administration has separate parts for taxi/limousine/shuttles and transportation network companies.
鈥淲here possible, especially for vehicle and driver requirements and fees, Administration has treated all vehicle for hire companies the same to ensure a level playing field and fair transportation industry. Administration included provisions in the proposed bylaw to improve public safety by ensuring drivers are appropriately qualified, does not have a criminal record that would prevent them from being a driver, that vehicles are inspected regularly.鈥�
Included in the proposed bylaw are;
* Throughout the Bylaw, shuttles and limousines are now specifically treated as a taxi and must adhere to the same requirements as taxis. Although the interpretation of the current Bylaw included shuttles and limousines, it was not specifically stated that those forms of transportation were included under the Bylaw.
* Administration increased and clarified the requirements for taxi, limousine, and shuttle vehicles. The requirements include providing an annual inspection certificate and decal, having an appropriate vehicle classification, holding at least $1,000,000 in additional liability insurance, and obtaining a City of Yorkton vehicle permit for each vehicle operated.
The bylaw will now go through the public notice and a public hearing to allow for community feedback.
* Administration increased the requirements for all taxi, limousine, and shuttle drivers. The increased requirements mirror those set out in the Vehicles for Hire Act and Regulations. This includes requirements for the company to submit a copy of the driver鈥檚 criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check, and to obtain a City of Yorkton driver permit for each company driver. The City of Yorkton permit will include a photo of the driver and must be displayed inside the vehicle for the public to see.
As well, Administration will contact all active taxi and shuttle companies by general mail to notify them of the proposed Vehicles for Hire Bylaw and upcoming Public Hearing, said Baptiste.
