Proposed changes to Guelph’s taxi bylaw clear the way for companies such as Uber to be licensed and regulated in the city.
Uber, which began operating in Guelph almost three years ago, is technically operating in contravention of Guelph’s bylaws because they are offering rides without being licensed, but the laying of charges by police is rare.
Under the proposed changes, Uber and other vehicle for hire companies would hold a licence and be responsible for its own drivers.
They would also have to make sure their drivers had $3 million in insurance coverage, the same as taxis.
Vehicles for hire (not including taxis) would not be allowed to be hailed by people on the street or at taxi stands. They would also not be allowed to accept cash payment.
Vehicles for hire would follow most of the same rules taxis do, including no smoking, displaying an identification card, criminal background checks and allowing service animals.
City staff have been working at updating the city’s taxi bylaw and new regulations governing “vehicles for hire” and at the April 3 meeting of the city’s committee of the whole they will present an update to council.
They will be seeking council’s permission to update the taxi bylaw and create a separate set of rules for vehicles for hire.
The report does not specify Uber, but representatives from that company were part of the working group, along with the city’s taxi companies, that have helped arrive at the recommended changes.
A public survey was also used, with 1,100 people responding.
“Once into the process, it was felt that there was a clear distinction between ride share companies and taxis and limousines,” reads the city report.
The proposed changes recommends maintaining the current limit on the number of taxis in Guelph, but that “in order to be licensed, any new taxis must be accessible.”
The report says that limiting the number of taxis in the city was “by far the most controversial element of taxi regulation.”
“These quantity controls essentially create a protected market for those already holding licences, often at the expense of innovation and investment.”
Staff is recommending that removing the limit on the number of taxi licences in Guelph in the future.
