The Municipality licenses and regulates the vehicle-for-hire industry, including taxis, limousines, shuttles, ridesharing services, and designated driver services. Information for passengers and operators is available below.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Council has approved a Vehicle For Hire Bylaw that enhances passenger and driver safety and encourages competitive rates to provide consumers with more options. A Vehicle for Hire Committee has also been established to advise Council and support further growth of the vehicle for hire industry in the region.
Passenger Rights and Responsibilities
As a passenger you have the right to:
- Decide on the route - the driver must take the most economical route to a destination unless otherwise requested by you
- To observe the taxi meter (if taking a taxi or accessible taxi)
- See the driver's chauffeur permit and license - an RMWB-issued taxi permit and license needs to be clearly visible
- Refuse multiple hiring - a taxi may carry two or more strangers from a common starting point to one or more destinations if the original passenger agrees
- Ask for a receipt - the driver can not refuse to provide a receipt in the amount of the fare
- The receipt can be electronic if using ridesharing or designated driver services
As a passenger you are responsible for:
- Paying the correct fare - failure to pay your fare may result in a fine of $500
- Paying for cleanup of biohazardous material – drivers may charge $250 for the cleanup of vomit, urine, feces or blood
- Being courteous
- Always wearing a seat belt
- Not asking the driver to stop where it is illegal to do so
- Not carrying open alcohol
What to expect from your driver
As a passenger, you can expect that your driver will:
- Be professional and courteous at all times and provide reasonable assistance as requested or required
- Not use a cell phone while driving you to your destination, except for handsfree navigation (map) or in an emergency
- Charge a fare that complies with the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw
- Make it possible for you to retrieve the item(s) if any of your personal property is left behind
If you have a negative or unsafe vehicle for hire experience, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, contact PULSE to submit a complaint (include incident details, company name, unit number, chauffer permit name, time and date of incident, and chauffeur description).
When a driver can refuse service:
There are some circumstances under which a driver may refuse you service. These include:
- The taxi or accessible taxi is not in service, and the top light is not illuminated
- You are indebted to the driver, or the brokerage
- You require the transport of an animal that is not in a kennel, except for a service dog
- You have items which may cause damage to the vehicle
- You have other passengers or baggage which the vehicle is incapable of carrying
- You insist on smoking in the vehicle
- You insist 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
Safety Requirements
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 footage for a minimum period of 7 days. This system will protect you and the driver in the event of a dispute.
Enhanced criminal record check: While criminal record checks have always been required for taxi drivers, all vehicle for hire drivers are now required to complete a more robust, in-depth criminal record check. These requirements are also in place for ridesharing and designated driver services.
Ongoing vehicle inspections With scheduled vehicle inspections, vehicle mechanical inspections and proactive roadside inspections, passengers can feel safe knowing that the vehicle they have hired is reliable.
Global Positioning System (GPS) -All vehicle for hires are equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Do you have a safety concern with a Vehicle for Hire in the Municipality? Contact PULSE.