The earliest that ride-hailing — or ride-sharing — companies could operate in Moose Jaw is this fall, as a bylaw is coming forward to allow these companies to operate here.
Besides a new ride-hailing bylaw, there is also a new bylaw in the works that licenses taxi companies and their drivers, and amendments to The Licensing Bylaw that would exempt vehicles for hire companies from business licensing requirements.
Councillors discussed the proposed bylaws and amendment in greater detail during a recent executive committee meeting. The bylaws would become official once approved during the June 10 meeting.
Administration expects the Taxi Bylaw and the Ride-hailing Bylaw to be ready by Sunday, Sept. 1 to allow for current operators to be notified, applications to be processed and permits to be issued.
Executive committee discussion
“Administration has done a good job of polling communities, taking a look at other bylaws in the past, and reaching out to stakeholders and advisory committees … ,” said Coun. Chris Warren. “I hope we can get this implemented and start seeing the good stuff that’s going to take place.”
Coun. Dawn Luhning was disappointed with the proposed Sept. 1 start date. She pointed out summer is a busy time when visitors and residents frequent restaurants and bars. She also noted provincial regulations are already in place.
That date was suggested because it takes time for taxi drivers and ride-hailing companies to get criminal record checks and picture IDs, for SGI to inspect vehicles, and to ensure insurance is in place, said city clerk Myron Gulka-Tiechko. Administration understands the urgency, but there is paperwork to fill out first.
Public input
City administration sought public input about the bylaws after the March 25 regular meeting. Six submissions were received about the proposed bylaws, with the letters focusing on:
Criminal record checks
The proposed bylaws were based on requirements of The Vehicles for Hire Act, so relaxing the bylaw requirements was not an option, said a city administration report. It was recommended that an addition to the proposed bylaw include a copy of the criminal record check (CRC) with the taxi driver permit applications.
This amendment ensures all taxi drivers meet the CRC requirements even if they work for a small company with only one or two drivers.
Limiting the number of operators
Some submissions suggested capping the number of vehicles for hire. However, said the report, such limits could affect the availability of service, especially at peak times and during special events.
Operation locations
Public feedback suggested taxi companies should operate from a commercial zone, while others thought these could be home-based businesses. However, The Zoning Bylaw prohibits home occupations from having more than one business-related vehicle on or near the property.
Business licence requirements
Administration believes it would not be appropriate for vehicles for hire to require a business licence and a vehicle for hire licence. Instead, it recommends that vehicle for hire operators be exempted from The Licensing Bylaw.
Financial implications
Taxi companies that responded were worried about additional operating costs, especially if all taxis and drivers were to require licences. They noted there would be extra overhead costs while drivers would have to pay extra fees.
Administration believes the added requirements to register each driver and vehicle provides more assurance of safety for passengers — including children being taken to school — who use this service, the report said. Passengers can also easily identify the the driver and vehicle have met the requirements of the Taxi Bylaw or Ride-hailing Bylaw.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 10.
