Calgary,
22
February
2016
|
16:39
America/Denver

Private for-hire vehicles will operate in Calgary

Calgary – Today City Council approved bylaw amendments that allow Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, to operate in Calgary.

The amended bylaw creates the foundation for a robust network that supports transportation options for Calgarians. It also allows established taxi and limousine providers to negotiate and charge fares through a smartphone app on the same basis as TNCs.

With an amended bylaw in place the only outstanding item is the Province’s decision regarding insurance policies that will cover TNC drivers. In Alberta, a standard personal automobile policy does not cover a driver when their vehicle is being used to carry paying passengers or is used as a taxi. The Government of Alberta has issued an advisory notice on ride sharing services and the insurance risk they currently pose to drivers, passengers and the public.

The amended bylaw comes into effect April 4, 2016.

“I have always supported the modernization and improvement to Calgary’s taxi system,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “I am very pleased with Council’s decision because we will soon be able to provide citizens with more transportation options. This decision delivers on our commitment to better serve our citizens.”

The revised bylaw allows TNC drivers to operate in Calgary while maintaining citizen safety as a priority.

Once the bylaw is in effect, TNC drivers will be able to operate in Calgary if they have:

  • An annual operating licence from The City of Calgary;

  • Valid Class 4 driver’s licence;

  • Annual Calgary Police Service (CPS) background check;

  • Proof of valid commercial insurance as required by the Government of Alberta;

  • Proof of eligibility to work in Canada;

  • Proof of provincially-approved 134-point mechanical inspection, conducted annually or every 50,000 km whatever comes first.

“We’ve listened to citizens, the taxi and limousine industries, and TNCs to develop safe, practical and reliable transportation options,” said Marc Halat, Manager of Compliance Services. “These bylaw amendments support innovation and technology which will provide citizens with better service and options.”

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