A comprehensive report issued by a British Columbia legislative committee tasked with evaluating taxi and ride-hailing services has outlined 34 key recommendations aimed at enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and improving transportation options in small and rural communities.
The committee underscored the pressing need to address systemic barriers and discrimination faced by people with disabilities in accessing transportation services. Committee Chair Mable Elmore emphasized that significant enhancements are required in driver training, service provisions, and the administration of accessibility grants to ensure equitable access for all individuals.
Among the recommendations, the committee proposes enabling taxi companies to utilize an online platform for bookings without the obligation of obtaining a separate ride-hailing license. Further, it advocates for the establishment of a unified code of conduct applicable to all taxi and ride-hailing drivers, coupled with a formalized complaint mechanism to address instances of discrimination experienced by passengers.
Recognizing the importance of supporting smaller local ride-hailing enterprises, particularly in rural and remote areas, the committee suggests exploring alternative frameworks to facilitate their operation. This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and address transportation challenges faced by communities outside urban centers.
The report comes just days before an Ontario Superior Court judgement found that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of taxi bylaws, particularly in how they applied to ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. The judge found that between 2014-2016, even though Uber was not licensed to operate in Ontario, they operated outside of the taxi bylaw framework. It wasn’t until 2016 that ride-hailing apps were formally approved in the nation’s capital.
The BC report and Ontario Superior Court decision underscore how legislature and the courts are trying to address consumer protection and accessibility while balancing business models for taxis and ride-hailing apps.
