(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Extension request approved

Red Deer to review Vehicle for Hire bylaw in April 2023

Oct 25, 2022 | 10:53 AM

The City of Red Deer will be reviewing the effectiveness of their Vehicle for Hire bylaw in April 2023.

At city council’s meeting on Monday, administration’s request for additional time for the review was unanimously approved.

After public and industry engagement, a “made in Red Deer” vehicle for hire bylaw was implemented in September 2020, applying to taxis, accessible taxis, designated driver services, limousines and transportation network companies such as Uber.

READ: New vehicle for hire bylaw takes effect in September

The city stated their reason for the change was to ensure safety and consistency across the local industry, directing all rideshare companies to provide the same information required under the provincial model.

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Some of the changes included:

• Reduction of mechanical inspections to only once per year for transportation network companies and limousines
• Consolidation of the Brokerage Licence and Vehicle for Hire Driver Licence, along with corresponding fees
• Creation of a six month short term Vehicle for Hire Driver Licence
• Change in the fee structure to reflect the number of vehicles in a Brokerage
• Completion of a criminal record check, vehicle inspection and driver’s abstract

Council directed administration to bring forward a report in December 2022 to determine the bylaw’s effectiveness and if any future amendments would be required.

The City received some backlash in 2021 for the bylaw by Uber drivers who felt fees were too high and the license requirements increased red tape.

READ: Changes to “onerous” rideshare regulations irk Red Deer Uber driver

In May 2022, shuttle services in Red Deer were also included under the bylaw.

READ: Shuttle services in Red Deer now regulated under existing bylaw

The date to bring back to report on the bylaw has been extended to April 2023.