Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw Updates

Please note: As directed by City Council, the City has paused issuing new vehicle-for-hire and private transportation company driver’s licences until a driver training accreditation program is established, and applicants have demonstrated completion of a driver training course.
The City provided an update on outstanding Vehicle-for-Hire directives to the City Council in December 2021. The report addressed the work completed since the 2019 Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw Review and provided updates on outstanding Council directives. It also included the results of an updated Transportation Impact Study and a licensing fee review.
In December 2020, City Council adopted amendments to the Vehicles-for-Hire Bylaw that placed a moratorium on the enforcement of the age of vehicles for the next two years. The 2019 Council-adopted bylaw amendments included the creation of an Accessibility Fund Program, additional data requirements, mandatory training for all drivers, and an increase in the years of driving experience for all drivers from one to three years.

The City has robust licensing requirements for drivers of vehicles-for-hire in order to ensure the safety of passengers. As directed by City Council, the City is working on the introduction of a mandatory Driver Training Accreditation Program (DTAP) for all vehicle-for-hire drivers.

The new training requirement will aim to improve driver awareness and enhance public safety. Preliminary topics will include transporting passengers in a safe manner; driving in an urban setting; providing accessible service; anti-racism, diversity and sensitivity; and legal requirements.

The City has received the first batch of applications from driver training programs seeking approval as recognized providers for vehicle-for-hire drivers.

An expert panel with representatives from City divisions  is reviewing each application and will recommend those to be placed on the City’s list of approved training programs. This list will then be made available on the City’s website. Approved applicants will also be required to file, and update as needed, all curriculum materials with Municipal Licensing & Standards division at least 15 days prior to student enrolment.

Another round of applications from third-party driver training programs seeking approval as recognized providers for vehicle-for-hire drivers will be accepted in 2022.  This page will be updated as more details are available.

The City provided an update on outstanding Vehicle-for-Hire directives to the City Council in December 2021. The report addressed the work completed since the last Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw Review and outstanding Council directives. The following topics were included in the report.

Licensing

  • A third-party assessment of vehicle-for-hire licensing fees in comparison to other business licensing categories, taking into consideration cost-recovery and the harmonization of fee categories.

Congestion and Emissions

  • An update to the 2019 Transportation Impact Study that presented findings on the transportation impacts of vehicles-for-hire.
  • An outline of next steps to reduce emissions in the vehicle-for-hire industry.

Accessibility Fund Program

Driver Training Program

Safety Measures

  • In response to Council directives, an update on the feasibility of implementing the following measures:
    • Increased mandatory inspections
    • New requirements for in-car cameras and emergency lighting systems
    • Restrictions on the maximum numbers of hours that a driver can work in 24 hours
    • New measures to reduce dooring incidents
    • New software to restrict pick up and drop off locations in ‘no stopping’ areas

Note, safety measures were also explored as part of the 2019 Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw Review.

2021 bylaw updates

  • In December 2020, City Council adopted bylaw amendments that placed a moratorium on the enforcement of the age of vehicles for the next two years.
  • The change came into effect on January 1, 2021 and will apply for the next two years.
  • This means that vehicles manufactured in 2013, 2014 and 2015 will need to be replaced by the end of 2022.
  • This does not apply to stretch limousines or private transportation company vehicles.

2020 bylaw updates

  • Private Transportation Company (PTC) vehicles are not allowed to use the same color scheme that is already in use by a licensed taxicab brokerage.
  • Taxicab vehicles do not need to be low-emission, alternative fuel or hybrid.
  • The current minimum years of required driving experience for all drivers has increased from one year to three years.
  • All drivers will need to successfully complete a City-approved training program as a requirement of licence issuance or renewal.
  • Drivers are required to attach “Watch for Bike” notices to vehicles. Private Transportation Companies (PTC) need to attach these notices and send push notifications reminding passengers to look for cyclists before exiting a vehicle.
  • Drivers need to securely mount all handheld devices to their vehicle.
  • Drivers need to display notices in their vehicles if a camera is being used to record passengers. In addition to these notices, PTCs also have the option to use their app to inform passenger before they complete their request for a ride.
  • All drivers need to carry government-issued identification.
  • An Accessibility Fund Program has been created to support the availability of accessible service and to offset the higher cost of providing wheelchair accessible service.
  • The program is funded by a regulatory charge on members of the industry. Toronto Taxicab Licensees (TTLs) and standard taxicab owners who have an accessible vehicle are exempt from these fees.
  • Funds will be disbursed to wheelchair accessible taxicab owners and drivers based on service standards and eligibility criteria. Drivers will also be required to have valid accessible service training.
  • Drivers and owners under contract with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Wheel-Trans program are not be eligible.
  • Program funds for accessible services offered in 2019 and 2020 have been distributed to eligible owners and drivers.
  • Additional data on trip records and collision reporting is required from vehicle-for-hire and private transportation companies (PTC).
  • Data will be used for audit and compliance, accessibility, transportation planning and environmental initiatives relevant to the industry.
  • Taxicab brokerages and PTCs need to submit data to the City dating back to January 1, 2020.

If you are interested in receiving updates on the regulations for vehicles-for-hire, please subscribe to the Vehicle-for-Hire e-mail listserv by visiting the City’s E-updates webpage. Under the header “Get Involved in Your Community,” scroll down and click “Vehicle-for-Hire Review,” then scroll back up to enter your e-mail address to subscribe.