By rdnewsNOW staff

Updated rules for taxis, ubers, etc.

New vehicle for hire bylaw takes effect in September

Nov 24, 2020 | 9:14 AM

The City of Red Deer’s newly updated Vehicle for Hire bylaw comes into effect Sept. 1, 2021 after city council gave third and final reading on Monday.

The bylaw applies to all vehicles for hire that operate in Red Deer, including taxi, accessible taxis, designated driver services, limousines and transportation network companies.

“The bylaw adopted today by City Council reflects the wide range of substantial input received when The City engaged thoroughly with the public and industry over the last several years,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “This bylaw modernizes and harmonizes many pre-existing regulatory provisions and, above all, it aligns with the principles adopted by City Council in January which are safety, customer service, equity and balancing the needs and opportunities for the various business models it affects.”

City officials say the bylaw was updated in an effort to balance public and industry feedback, with safety and business needs. Changes that will take effect include:

– Reduction of mechanical inspections to only once per year for transportation network companies and limousines

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– 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.

“This issue has been highly divisive in communities all across our country. Several years ago, our Council had given direction that we wanted a ‘made in Red Deer’ solution to harmonize regulations in our region to remove barriers for rides for hire for the public,” said Veer. “We also wanted to come up with a system that would not pit industries against each other. Although it took longer than anticipated, by engaging industry and the public, we have been able to achieve reasonable compromises that uphold the safety, interests of the public and business needs of industry.”

City Council also gave direction to City administration to bring forward a report on the new bylaw in December 2022 to determine if any amendments will be required in the future.