Taxi Cabs

Passenger rights and responsibilities

As a passenger you have the right to:

• Decide on the route. The driver shall take the most economical route to a destination unless otherwise requested by you.

• Observe the taxi meter. The meter shall always be illuminated and visible to all passengers.

• See the driver's chauffeur permit and license. An RMWB-issued taxi permit and license should be clearly visible to all passengers.

• Refuse multiple hiring. A taxi may carry two or more strangers from a common starting point to one or more destinations if the original hire agrees.

• Ask for a receipt. The driver may not refuse to provide a receipt in the amount of the fare.

As a passenger you are responsible to:

• Pay the correct fare

• Be courteous

• Always wear a seat belt

• Do not ask the driver to stop where it is illegal to do so

Taxi service obligations

A taxi driver shall always serve the first person asking for service.

A taxi driver may not refuse services to:

• Any person guided or led by a service dog or refuse to permit such a person to enter with such a dog into the vehicle
• Any person with special needs
• Any person because of their race, colour, creed, or any form of discrimination against a member of the public

A taxi driver can refuse to carry a passenger who:

• Owes the driver or owner for previous fare or service

• Refuses to disclose their destination before or immediately after entering the cab 

• Asks to be driven to a remote place in circumstances which the driver reasonably believes to be unsafe

• Is unduly, obnoxious, abusive or disorderly

• Requests the driver to carry an animal or baggage which might be detrimental to the repair, cleanliness, or sanitary condition of the taxi, with the exceptions of service dog
• Requests the driver to carry any passengers or baggage which the taxi is incapable of carrying
• Could present a threat to or endanger the safety of the driver

Your taxi shall be:

• Smoke-free. All taxis operating in the region are smoke-free
• Clean and tidy. Both the interior, exterior, and trunk should be kept clean
• Well maintained. All taxis must pass a mechanical inspection every six months
• All taxis shall have the current meter rate and Bylaw Service phone number on the rear windows

What to look for when hiring a taxi

• The taxi number should be clearly visible on both sides and the back of the vehicle.
• The top light identifying the name of the taxi company or telephone number should be visible from the front and back of vehicle.
• Permanent decals with the name of the taxi company and telephone number should be visible on both front doors.