FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk

 

 

PREPARED BY:

Lori Diamond, Senior Provincial Offences Officer (Wheels Unit)

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

February 16, 2004

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Public Meeting- Taxi Licence By-Law Amendments

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That a public meeting be held on March 2, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. to gather input on:

  • Taxi Fare Increase
  • Safety Equipment in Taxicabs
  • Taxi Stands
  • Additional Premiere Plates
  • Single Colour Taxicabs
  • Administrative Amendments

 

PURPOSE:

To obtain approval to proceed to a public meeting on March 2, 2004 to gather public and industry input on possible amendments to the Taxi Licencing By-Law.

 

BACKGROUND:

By-Law 2002-308

By-Law 2002-308 for the licencing, regulating and governing of owners and drivers of taxicabs and taxicab brokers was passed by Council in 2002. Since then, changes to economic, safety, customer service and enforcement factors justify a review and possible amendment to the By-Law to provide a regulations reflective of today’s circumstances. The Municipal Act stipulates that amendments to licencing by-laws must be subject of a Public Meeting.

 

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

 

Fare Increase

The last fare increase was approved in 2002. Currently, the taxi industry is citing increased insurance and operating costs as a reason for a review and increase in fares. Other municipalities in York Region are also looking at fare increases in 2004.

 

Safety Equipment in Taxi Cabs

Town mandated safety equipment in taxicabs for drivers has been brought forward for consideration. The amount of the fare increase may be linked to any new regulations requiring safety equipment.

 

Additional Premiere Plates

The implementation of the Premiere Plate program has provided positive results for taxi customers in Markham. Growth in the Town warrants consideration of additional licences to better serve the public in the future.

 

Single Colour Taxicabs

Consideration of a single vehicle colour for Markham Taxicabs to assist the public and enforcement staff with the identification of taxi’s licenced to operate within the Town is being brought forward.

 

Administrative Amendments

Transfer of Taxicab Owner’s Licence to Estate: Amendments to this section of the By-Law are being proposed to align regulations with Estate Law in Ontario (excludes Premiere Plates).

 

Photo ID: The By-Law Enforcement & Licencing Section successfully implemented a Photo ID system in 2003. Staff are now issuing a photo licence for drivers. Amendments to the by-law are required to update regulations reflective of the Photo ID program.

 

General Amendments: Staff have identified a number of amendments required to correct wordings, align the by-law with operating procedures, and recognize existing policies.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The issuance of additional premiere plates would result in a one-time fee of $5,000.00 per plate, with a subsequent annual licencing renewal fee of $500.00 per plate.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The Manager, Environmental Leadership of the Community Services and Fire Emergency Services has reviewed the current by-law and made submissions regarding environmental considerations for inclusion in the amended Taxi By-Law.

 

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

None

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

None

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

None

 

ATTACHMENTS:

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheila Birrell

 

Andy Taylor

Town Clerk                                                                                 Commissioner, Corporate Services