Operators

On June 14, Council approved a new Vehicle for Hire Bylaw. This bylaw enhances passenger and driver safety, encourages competitive rates and allows new services to operate in the region such as ridesharing and designated driver services.

License and Permit Applications

Ridesharing and Designated Driver Services

Safety Measures

Passenger Expectations

Joining the Vehicle for Hire Industry

Fare Structure

Vehicles for hire with meters can set a maximum metered rate at $5.00 for the first 52 metres and $0.15 for every 52 metres thereafter. Every taxi meter must be tested and inspected for accuracy and certified by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

Under the flat fee option, you or your brokerage/company can negotiate a flat fee with a passenger prior to a trip instead of using the metered rate. Bylaw Services does not regulate the fare structure for ridesharing companies.

Vehicle for Hire Inspection Hours (By Appt Only)

Front counter services are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at South Policing Facility (150 MacLennan Crescent) offering vehicle for hire inspections, registrations, and all inquiries.

Vehicle for hire inspection hours
Day	Time
Monday	1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday	1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday	9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Friday	9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Ridesharing and Designated Driver Services

The Vehicle for Hire bylaw allows for ridesharing companies and designated driver services to operate in the Municipality. Here are the requirements drivers must meet.

Ridesharing service requirements

Ridesharing services provide local consumers and operators with more options in the region’s vehicle for hire industry.

A person that operates, causes or permits the operation of a Transportation Network Vehicle for ridesharing services must ensure that:

The name of its affiliated Transportation Network Company is displayed on the side and rear of the vehicle, in a form and size approved by the Chief Taxi Inspector
There are no markings or fixtures on the vehicle identifying it as a taxi or accessible taxi, including but not limited to:
- the words "Taxi", "cab" or "Accessible Taxi"
- a top light or taxi meter
- a brokerage name other than the Transportation Network Company

A Transportation Network Vehicle can display the international symbol of access, provided it does not exceed 20 cm x 20 cm.

Note: Ridesharing vehicles cannot engage in street hailing. They can only provide pre-arranged service that has been dispatched.

Designated driver service requirements

A designated driver service transports a passenger in their vehicle to their destination. A designated driver providing a designated driving service must ensure the following:

Review a certificate of insurance or registration for the vehicle
Secure the owner’s consent to operate the vehicle
The number of individuals to be transported in the vehicle does not exceed the number of available seatbelts
Enter into an agreement with the owner respecting the fee to be charged
The owner and any passengers enter the vehicle at the same time and location and exit the vehicle at the same time and location
The vehicle does not make any stops throughout the trip

Learn more about the requirements for Designated Driver Services in the bylaw.

Passenger and Driver Safety Measures

With driver and passenger safety a top priority, the Vehicle for Hire bylaw enhances long-standing measures and adds more measures.

Fully functional digital recording system: All vehicles for hire are required to have a fully functional digital recording system installed that is capable of recording video of the entire interior and recording audio of all conversations in the vehicle and retain the video and audio footage for a minimum period of 7 days. This system will protect you and the passenger in the event of a dispute.

Enhanced criminal record check.

Ongoing vehicle inspections: All vehicles for hire must be inspected a minimum of once every six (6) months by a licensed mechanic and issued a Mechanical Inspection Certificate, except for vehicles operating in Fort Chipewyan which must be inspected a minimum of once every 12 months and commercial vehicles with a valid Safety Fitness Certificate.

Global Positioning System (GPS): All vehicle for hires are equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).

Increased fines for passenger non-payment: To better protect drivers and minimize altercations, passengers may be fined $500 if they fail to pay their fare. These tickets can be issued by the RCMP and Bylaw Officers. If a passenger did not pay, please contact Pulse to be connected with Bylaw Services.

Increased charges for biohazardous clean-up: Passengers may be charged $250 for the cleanup of biohazardous material (vomit, urine, feces or blood). Drivers must provide evidence to prove when a passenger has caused the driver to thoroughly clean their vehicle.

Passenger Expectations for Operators

Users of vehicle for hire services expect their drivers to be respectful, professional and courteous. The Vehicle for Hire Bylaw, under Driver Conduct, states that a person operating a vehicle for hire must:

Take the most economical route to the passenger’s destination unless otherwise directed by the passenger.
Be professional and courteous at all times and provide reasonable assistance to any passengers as requested or required.
Not use a cell phone or other hand-held electronic devis or wireless electronic device, such as Bluetooth headphones, while transporting a passenger, except for an emergency. You can use an electronic device in hands-free mode to look at a map or interact with a ridesharing services application.
Charge a fare that complies with the requirements of the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw.
At the end of each trip, check the vehicle for any personal property left behind by a passenger. If there is property left behind, you must make it available for retrieval by the passenger.

Drivers must ensure that the exterior and interior of the vehicle for hire must be kept:

Clean
Free of damage
Free of hazards that may stain or tear the clothing or possessions of a passenger
Free of garbage
Free of noxious odours
Free of materials that may impair the driver’s vision
Free of materials that give the impression of an unkept appearance

There are some circumstances under which a driver may refuse service. These include:

The taxi or accessible taxi is not in service, and the top light is not illuminated
The person is indebted to the driver, or the brokerage
The person requires the transport of an animal that is not in a kennel, except for a service dog
The person has items which may cause damage to the vehicle
The person has other passengers or baggage which the vehicle is incapable of carrying
The person insists on smoking in the vehicle
The person insists on undertaking or participating in illegal activity while in the vehicle
The driver reasonably believes that:
- there is a danger to their personal safety
- there is a danger of serious damage to property
- the service would contravene the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw

If refusing service, the driver must immediately provide verbal notice of refusal to the brokerage, and within 24 hours of the refusal, provide a signed written report of the circumstances of the refusal to the brokerage and Chief Taxi Inspector.

Joining the Vehicle for Hire Industry

Anyone operating a vehicle for hire must produce the following:

A valid provincial Class 1, 2 or 4 operator’s license
A valid Chauffeur’s Permit
A valid Vehicle for Hire license for the vehicle, except for a Designated Driver providing a Designated Driver Service
A valid Mechanical Inspection Certificate for the vehicle issued within the preceding 6-month period or a valid Safety Fitness Certificate for the vehicle
Proof of valid insurance that meets the requirements of the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw

Applying for a Brokerage License

Brokerage License Application

Proof in writing that the applicant has an agreement or agreements in place to provide dispatch services or are accepting calls for service
Proof in writing that the applicant is in compliance with the land use bylaw.
Completed and signed Brokerage License Application
Fee payment according to schedule J ($50)

Applying for Transportation Network Company Brokerage License

Transportation Network Company Application

Proof in writing that the applicant has an office located in the RMWB
Approval to operate as a Transportation Network Company issued by the Province of Alberta pursuant to the Transportation Network Companies Regulation
Proof of Liability insurance with TNV endorsements
Completed and signed Transportation Network Company Application form
List of Transportation Network drivers and vehicles operating under brokerage
Fee payment according to schedule J ($500)

Applying for a Transportation Network Vehicle License (Ridesharing)

Transportation Network Vehicle Application

Proof of valid Province of Alberta registration (livery) certificate
Proof of liability insurance with TNV endorsements
Out of province inspection certificate issued by a licensed mechanic at an approved facility
Completed and passed bylaw inspection
Confirmation that the applicant has a valid chauffeur’s permit
Completed and signed Transportation Network Vehicle License Application
Fee payment according to schedule J ($500 per year)

Apply for a Vehicle for Hire License

Vehicle for Hire License Application

A Vehicle for Hire license is required to operate as a taxi, shuttle, or limo driver.

Proof of valid Province of Alberta registration (livery) certificate
Proof of $2 million third party liability insurance
Out of province inspection certificate issued by a licensed mechanic at an approved facility
- Out of province inspections are required every 6 months. If a vehicle is brand new and under 5,000 km, the initial out of province inspection is not required but the bill of sale must be provided

Vehicle for hires are not to be more than 10 model years old, except for a Limousine that is a stretch sedan or stretch sports utility vehicle which shall not be more than 15 years old
Completed and passed bylaw inspection
Confirmation in writing of affiliation with a municipally licensed brokerage (unless independent)
Completed and signed Vehicle for Hire License Application
Fee payment according to schedule J ($500 per year)

Renewing a Vehicle for Hire License

Renewing a License

Proof of valid Province of Alberta registration (livery) certificate
Proof of $2 million third party liability insurance
Out of province inspection certificate issued by a licensed mechanic at an approved facility
Completed and passed bylaw inspection
Confirmation in writing of affiliation with a municipally licensed brokerage (unless independent)
Completed and signed application form
Fee payment according to schedule J ($500 per year)

Applying for a Chauffeur Permit

Chauffeur Permit Application

A Chauffeur Permit is required to operate as a taxi, shuttle, limo, transportation network and/or designated driver).

Class 1, 2 or 4 Alberta drivers license
Drivers abstract dated within the last 30 days. No more than 8 demerit points are acceptable
Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector check dated within the last 90 days (completed at Fort McMurray RCMP)
Proof of eligibility to work in Canada (acceptable documents are Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Permanent Residency card, work permit)
Confirmation in writing of affiliation with a brokerage company (not required if you are independent owner/operator)
Defensive driving course completed in Alberta within the last 3 years
Completed and signed Chauffeur Permit Application
Fee payment according to schedule J ($85 for residents, $170 for non-residents of Fort McMurray)

Renewing a Chauffeur Permit

Renewing a Chauffeur Permit

New drivers are required to bring a current drivers abstract (within the last 30 days), every 4 months to monitor demerits
Second year drivers bring an abstract every 6 months
Third year and older drivers renew once a year.
- All documents are required yearly with the exception of proof of eligibility (unless issued a Permanent Resident card or work permit) and the defensive driving course
Drivers that are renewing their permit, which has not been expired for more than 90 days, can get a temporary one-month extension to get their criminal record check completed.