HomeMy WebLinkAboutBYL 03-21Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: BYL 03-21 Date: November 1, 2021
From: Paul Bigioni Director, Corporate Services and City Solicitor
Subject: Deferral of Implementation of Accessible Service Supplement Fees
Vehicle for Hire By-law -File: L-2200-01-21
Recommendation:
1.That Report BYL 03-21 respecting a deferral of the implementation of the Accessible ServiceSupplement enacted in the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 be received;
2.That the implementation and collection of the Vehicle for Hire Accessible Service
Supplement be deferred until January 1, 2023; and,
3.That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary toimplement the recommendations in this report.
Executive Summary: The City’s Vehicle for Hire By-law was enacted on February 24, 2020. Included in the By-law is an Accessible Service Supplement to be paid by all vehicle for hire license holders that do not provide accessible service. The Accessible Service Supplement will be used to fund an Accessible Taxicab Incentive Program, outlined in Section 93 of the Vehicle for Hire By-law.
Based on the current economic challenges faced by the Vehicle for Hire Industry caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic, staff recommend deferring collection of the Accessible Service Supplement until January 1, 2023.
Financial Implications: The Accessible Service Supplement was not budgeted as revenue generated for the City. In the initial report to Council regarding the Vehicle for Hire By-law, staff estimated approximately $28,000.00 would be generated annually through the Accessible Service Supplement. This was based on a seven (7) cent per trip fee to be paid by Personal Transportation Companies, as well as Accessible Service Supplements applicable to Taxicab
Brokerage fees of $2,500.00 and Taxicab Plates of $75.00 per plate.
Deferring the collection of the Accessible Service Supplement will delay the implementation of the Accessible Taxicab Incentive Program. Notwithstanding that, the economic pressures currently facing the Vehicle for Hire industry call for some type of financial relief.
BYL 03-21 November 1, 2021
Subject: Deferral of Implementation of Accessible Service Page 2
Supplement Fees Vehicle for Hire By-law
Discussion: The Vehicle for Hire Licensing By-law prescribes an Accessible Service
Supplement fee to be applied to all vehicles for hire that do not provide accessible services.
Fees charged in relation to the Accessible Service Supplement are as follows:
1.Personal Transportation Companies are subject to a seven (7) cent per trip fee.
2.Taxicab Brokerages that do not have at least ten percent (10%) of their fleet asaccessible vehicles must pay $2,500.00 per year, and3.Individual Taxicab Plate Licensees that are not affixed to an accessible vehicle mustpay $75.00 annually.
The funds raised through the Accessible Service Supplement are to be used to fund an Accessible Taxicab Incentive Program. Section 93 of the Vehicle for Hire By-law indicates that the Accessible Taxicab Incentive Program may include, but is not limited to:
i)requirements for grant or incentive eligibility;
ii)criteria for receiving any incentive or grant;
iii)the amount and frequency of the disbursement of any incentive or grant, includingpro-rated or discretionary amounts;iv)sanctions, including reductions in the amount of any incentive or grant for non-compliance with the conditions of the program; and,
v)reporting or auditing requirements for brokerages, PTCs, and Taxicab Plate
Licensees.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee, City staff and the Vehicle for Hire Advisory Committee will be tasked with determining how the fund may be best utilized to improve accessible services
provided to Pickering residents.
Both the Personal Transportation Companies and the Taxicab Industry have seen a severe reduction in their business due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. In an effort to provide some financial relief to the Vehicle for Hire Industry, deferring the implementation of the Accessible Service Supplement is a reasonable measure to assist in mitigating the financial hardship being
experienced.
Prepared By:
Original Signed By:
Kimberly Thompson, CMM III, CPSO
Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement Services
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By:
Paul Bigioni
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
KT:kt
BYL 03-21 November 1, 2021
Subject: Deferral of Implementation of Accessible Service Page 3
Supplement Fees Vehicle for Hire By-law
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer