The municipality has rewritten its new vehicle-for-hire bylaw, and plans to bring it back before council tomorrow night.
The proposed new regulations created an uproar with local cab companies last June, who were upset with strict new standards that would be imposed.
Bylaw services director Rene Wells says they considered amending the proposal, but eventually decided to bring forth an entirely new one instead.
He says there are several elements to the new law to improve the experience for taxi riders.
“Presently, there isn’t a requirement under the bylaw for chauffeur training,” said Wells. “These are now included within the proposed bylaw, and that includes an emphasis on customer service.”
Wells also says the Chief Taxi Inspector will be charged with developing regulations on things like vehicle standards, then issuing bulletins to the industry for them to follow.
The new law will also clarify what drivers can and can’t do, especially when it comes to charging fares.
“There was a practice of some drivers who would take on additional passengers, and then charge each person in the vehicle the same rate for that one trip,” said wells. “Under the proposed legislation, that would no longer be allowed to occur.”
The proposal will also create new zone maps, and define flat rates for trips outside of the Fort McMurray urban service area.
“The option is available to a customer on whether they would like the metered rate or the flat rate,” said Wells. “That’s something that, in the new legislation, the driver is going to have to present to a customer in the vehicle, and it would be the customer’s choice on which rate that they would want.”
Drivers will also be barred from refusing to transport a pet, if it’s in a cage.
Taxis will also be allowed to give electronic receipts, although traditional paper ones must still be available.
The new regulations would be scheduled to take effect this October, if council passes the bylaw.
Tomorrow night will only be first reading of the new law, with full debate and a vote to come at a later meeting.
January 21, 2013
