TASK FORCE TO REVIEW THE TAXI INDUSTRY

A G E N D A

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PURSUANT TO

THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT.

DEPUTATIONS.

COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS.

1.REVIEW OF THE TAXI INDUSTRY.

Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

(October 7, 1998)

Forwarding a report which presents an overview of the review of the Toronto Taxicab Industry as conducted by the Task Force to Review the Taxi Industry and submitting recommendations in regard thereto.

(Note:This report is separately provided for your future reference. Please retain your copy for the Emergency and Protective Services Committee meeting to be held October 27, 1998.)

1(a).(June 23, 1998) City Clerk advising that at a joint meeting held on June 22, 1998, the Metropolitan Cycling and Pedestrian Committee, the Toronto City Cycling Committee and the North York Cycling and Pedestrian Committee recommended to the Task Force to Review the Taxi Industry the adoption of the following recommendations of the joint Education, Safety and Security Sub-Committee and requested that they be considered with all of the other recommendations respecting the review of the Toronto taxi industry and included in the Task Force's final report and recommendations to City Council:

(1)that the City of Toronto lobby the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario to designate a special classification of driver's license for taxicab drivers;

(2)that, until such time as Recommendation No. (1) is in place, the City of Toronto assess the competence of its taxicab drivers through the licensing program; and

(3)that the Toronto Licensing Commission significantly expand the road safety component of the taxicab driver training program to include a minimum of one day's training spent on cycling and pedestrian safety issues.

1(b).(July 9, 1998) Mr. Eugene W. Meikle, President, Toronto Taxi Drivers Association complimenting the Task Force for the "round table" talks held on July 6, 1998, and expressing that hope that such sessions would become mandatory in the future.

1(c).(July 9, 1998) Councillor Howard Moscoe, North York Spadina, recommending that, in the event the Toronto Taxi Reform package is successfully challenged in the courts, the City immediately:

(A)terminate all payments made under the reform package (this be disclosed to plate holders prior to their accepting the package);

(B)the City immediately restrict the leasing of plates by:

(1)grandfathering all existing taxi plates;

(2)begin immediately issuing a new category of taxi plates called the "New Toronto Taxi Plate";

(3)issuing a new plate to any individual who meets and agrees to all of the following conditions:

(a)is qualified to drive a taxi by virtue of holding a valid Toronto Licensing Commission taxi driver's licence;

(b)agrees to affix such plate to a current model year car as approved by the Commission;

(c)agrees to remove that car from taxi service after it has operated as a taxi for no longer than five years;

(d)is the principle driver of this vehicle and operates it on an ongoing basis; and

(e)understands that the "New Toronto Taxi Plate" is non transferable, remains the property of the Toronto Licensing Commission and must be returned to the Toronto Licensing Commission if any of these conditions are not in effect; and

(C)Amend By-law No. 20-85 accordingly.

1(d).(July 13, 1998) Councillor John Adams, Midtown, forwarding correspondence from Mr. Garfield Mahood, Toronto, expressing his concerns regarding the practices of Toronto's taxicabs and the need for an overhaul of the industry.

1(e).(July 20, 1998) Mr. Ian Outerbridge, Solicitor, on behalf of the Toronto Taxi Drivers Association, addressed to the Premier of Ontario presenting information with regard to the Association's plan of action for the taxicab industry entitled Plan 2001 which calls for the abolition of taxicab license leasing and the introduction of a system of taxicab ownership similar to the system used in London, England.

1(f).(July 22, 1998) Mr. Ian Allaby, Toronto, expressing concerns with regard to the practices of designated agents.

1(g).(July 21, 1998) Mr. Harold J. Mitchell, Toronto, expressing concerns with regard to the existing taxi situation particularly as it relates to riders in wheel chairs.

1(h).(August 17, 1998) Mr. Jim Bell, Toronto Taxi Alliance, forwarding suggestions for improving enforcement of the by-law related to unlicensed drivers and vehicles in the taxicab industry.

1(i).(August 26, 1998) Mr. Michael Khlaif, Scarborough, a cab owner-driver, addressed to Mayor Lastman, providing suggestions on this issue.

ANY OTHER MATTERS.