Halifax council to consider changes to taxi, ride-hail rules

Halifax council will consider changes to tax and ride-hail rules.

Halifax Regional Council is looking at two major changes to the city’s vehicle-for-hire industry.

The proposals come from a staff report that would allow taxi and limousine companies to set their own fares and require ride-hail drivers, like those driving for Uber, to obtain licenses in the same way as taxi drivers.

Taxi companies, including Casino Taxi, have been lobbying for these changes, saying flexible fares would help them keep up with rising costs and remain competitive.

“We’ve seen big increases in insurance and fuel prices going up and down,” said Brian Herman, Casino Taxi president.

The main focus of debate was around licensing of ride-hail drivers.

Currently, companies like Uber screen and vet their own drivers through background checks, vulnerable sector checks, child abuse registry checks, and driver abstracts. However, HRM says they have access to that documentation.

“We do get a list of who’s driving for them, but we don’t get the supporting documentation,” said Peter Nightingale, HRM manager of licensing standards.

Staff are recommending one licensing system for all drivers to create a level playing field.

But Uber Canada spokesperson Jonatha Hamel says their drivers already complete detailed background checks and the move only leads to more “red-tape” or bureaucracy.

“The proposal would eliminate these efficiencies and force thousands of ride share drivers to undergo an expensive municipal licensing process with no demonstrated safety benefit,” said Hamel.

Hamel told the transportation committee that HRM can audit them at any time, and they would provide information regarding the license and status of any driver.

The Transportation Committee voted in favour of both recommendations. A final decision now rests with council to be made at a later date.

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