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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTaxicab Dec. 9, 2015 Page 1 CORP0228—2/02 Minutes Taxicab Advisory Committee December 9, 2015 Main Committee Room Present: Councillor Johnson Jerry Klinpel Durham Rapid Taxi Balbir Judgey Ashni Nater Belete Bekele Harful Singh Rana Absent: Rafiq Gower Flash Taxi Also Present: Paul Bigioni, Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor Kim Thompson, Manager, By-law Enforcement Services Trevor De Cristofaro, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer II Jason Litoborski, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer II Gary Strange Linda Roberts, Recording Secretary Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Introductions K. Thompson welcomed everyone to the meeting. She provided an overview of the City’s regulations with respect to the Transportation Network Companies. Through the aid of a power point presentation, she outlined how TNC’s are regulated here as well as in other jurisdictions. She also outlined the following;  Provincial Government’s actions regarding the Sharing Economy  What changes need to be made to the by-law  How taxicabs can compete  Requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)  Proposed changes to the Taxicab By-law  Changes to Durham Transit Accessible Service Regulations and licensing requirements were discussed with respect to TNC’s. K. Thompson reviewed the basic regulations recommended for all service providers as well as the existing by-law provisions. Discussion ensued with respect to the effects of Uber in the City of Pickering. K. Thompson provided statistics, noting that the number of Page 2 CORP0228—2/02 Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) dispatched calls has not been significantly affected. Further discussion took place with the following concerns regarding TNC’s being noted;  issues surrounding insurance and liability  misrepresentation on driver screening and insurance coverage  surge pricing  concerns with ride sharing  need for more public education regarding risks of using TNC’s K. Thompson advised members that area municipalities are developing a proposed framework to coordinate the regulation structure across the GTA. She discussed enforcement initiatives and the challenges involved. It was noted there is a need for assistance from higher levels for enforcement with respect to insurance and the submission of HST, which are outside the boundaries of our enforcement authority. K. Thompson noted she would submit a copy of her presentation to the Durham Regional Police Service for their information. Councillor Johnson asked if there were ways to speak with Uber drivers to make them aware of the violations and issue warnings. K. Thompson explained the challenges surrounding enforcement initiatives including the payment structure, noting payments do not go through the drivers. Comments were noted as follows:  public education and awareness  a number of issues beyond our control (i.e. insurance, HST)  issuing warnings would be a good starting point, may discourage from this area  in relation to enforcement – by-law noted that no information is provided to them in order to follow up  it was noted that Uber cars are identified with a “U” sticker  request that drivers take down plate numbers and inform by-law staff  have Council make a statement  issuing warnings to Uber is a good starting point, take advantage of timing during the holiday season when it is busier K. Thompson advised members that the Province has established a Sharing Economy Advisory Committee with representatives from key ministries who will work together to oversee and coordinate Ontario’s approach to dealing with companies like Uber. She also provided suggestions on how the taxicab industry can compete, such as providing clean, safe and professional services as well as providing new technology services such as Taxi Apps. K. Thompson to action Page 3 CORP0228—2/02 Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) K. Thompson requested members of the industry provide feedback regarding the need for changes to the existing by-law, service improvements, safety measures for the protection of both drivers and consumers and the possibility of licensing limousines. She stressed the need for taxicab drivers to report any suspected Uber operations to City staff, explaining that information is vital for enforcement. K. Thompson provided an overview with respect to exclusive agreements on private property such as the Pickering Town Centre. She noted this agreement does not prevent any taxicab from picking up or dropping off at the Pickering Town Centre, only from sitting at one of the specified taxi locations. She also noted that the City cannot interfere with the rights of a private property owner regarding access to their property. It was noted that past history has dictated the current situation, whereby there have been issues with drivers’ behaviour on PTC property. Comments are noted as follows:  Some members felt it was unfair, the City should look into finding space on City property while waiting for calls  Need for pick up and drop off space at the bridge to the Go Station – drivers are being asked to move out of the bus lanes Discussion took place with respect to the lack of spaces for taxicabs. It was questioned what authority Go Transit has for enforcing parking restrictions on the City’s road allowance. K. Thompson noted she would look into the possibility of parking for taxis on Pickering Parkway past the bus stop area. Accessibility Requirements K. Thompson provided members with an update regarding Durham Transit service changes for the disabled based on the requirements of the AODA. She noted that Durham Transit is no longer providing door to door service and that this may be an opportunity for the taxicab industry to supplement this change in service by introducing flat rates to certain facilities. J. Klinpel noted concerns with not being aware of the passenger’s requirements, making it difficult to set a flat rate. Discussion took place with respect to fares and the possibility of calculating by zones, to be more competitive. It was noted most drivers already know exact fares, and that they are already the lowest fares in this area. K. K. Thompson to action Page 4 CORP0228—2/02 Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) Thompson advised that the City is open to suggestions and encouraged everyone to provide feedback. Gary Strange questioned the City’s position on other services such as Keys to Us. K. Thompson noted that as there were currently no issues in this regard, but may need to be considered in the future. K. Thompson provided proposed by-law updates as follows;  Definition revisions to incorporate TNC regulations  Vehicle age, new vehicles 5 years or newer  Brokers responsible for vehicles dispatched to  Fare on meter a maximum, can agree on flat rates or charge less  Require debit or credit payment option in all taxicabs  Consider advertising options in taxicabs  Add non-smoking provisions to allow MLEO’s to enforce  Remove minimum hours of service  Revise TAC role to be final and binding for appeals Advertising options were discussed and K. Thompson advised that the City was open to looking at any options that fall within the City’s policies. K. Thompson encouraged members to provide feedback and noted that staff would report back to the TAC in the Spring of next year. 2. Other Business Ashni Nater questioned the re-testing of drivers, noting that not all Cities require this. Questions were raised regarding communications between the taxi industry and the City, with respect to anything affecting taxi operations. It was suggested that if any enforcement is done with Uber drivers, that the Committee be advised of the results. Meeting Adjourned: 12:10 pm