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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Council First Reading

Shuttle services to potentially be regulated under Vehicle for Hire bylaw in Red Deer

Apr 26, 2022 | 9:34 AM

Shuttle service businesses in Red Deer may soon be required to follow regulations under the Vehicle for Hire bylaw.

On April 25, 2022, city council approved first reading of the proposed amendment to the existing bylaw.

Implemented in September 2021, the Vehicle for Hire bylaw (3644/2020) was created after consultations with other municipalities, the taxi industry, the transportation network industry, limo and sedan services, designated driver services and the public.

The goal of the bylaw, according to the City, is to balance the regulations across the industry to create fairness and equity for all types of Vehicles for Hire in the city while ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and the public.

Since the implementation of bylaw, administration says a gap related to shuttle service businesses was identified after receiving several inquiries related to shuttle services for seniors and children.

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Administration recommended amendments Monday to the bylaw that would align shuttle service operations with existing bylaw requirements for all other Vehicles for Hire.

Currently, the only requirement to operate a shuttle service is a business licence.

“Citizens are accustomed to the safety provided by the Vehicle for Hire bylaw and have an expectation that businesses transporting people have been vetted under the bylaw criteria, including criminal record checks, driver abstracts and vehicle maintenance safety criteria,” said Erin Stuart, Inspections & Licensing Manager. “The proposed bylaw amendments will ensure continued consistency for all Vehicle for Hire types, including shuttle services, and ensuring safety for customers and drivers.”

Under the bylaw, a “Shuttle Service” would be defined as a transportation service provided by a Vehicle for Hire at a predetermined rate and times between predetermined locations and routes, established by the shuttle brokerage or independent driver.

Breaking the outlined Shuttle Service Driver Obligations could result in a $1,000 fine. Failure of the brokerage to disclose the fare to the passenger prior to the accepting of the ride could result in a $500 fine.

Second and third reading of the proposed amendments are scheduled to take place at the council meeting on May 25.

For more information on Vehicles for Hire in Red Deer, visit https://secure.reddeer.ca/city-services/licences/vehicles-for-hire/.