City reminds that rideshare, taxi and limo regulations are in place to protect safety of Calgarians

The City of Calgary is working closely with the livery industry and the Calgary Stampede to make sure Calgarians get home safely. However, there are a few important checks users should do before they get into any vehicle, both during Stampede and throughout the year.

When booking a rideshare, the app provides users with a photo of the driver, the licence plate number, the make and model of the vehicle and real time GPS tracking. Double checking these details for both the driver and the car will safeguard riders against getting into a vehicle with a potentially unsafe, unlicensed driver.

When street-hailing a taxi, users should ensure the driver and vehicle are both licensed. These are verified by a taxi plate on the rear bumper of the vehicle, and the driver’s ID which is required to be posted in a visible location. Users are also reminded to take note of the taxi number, company and colour of the vehicle.

“The City’s primary concern is the safety of customers and service providers who use vehicle-for-hire services in Calgary. All drivers of taxis, ride-share and limousine services must complete a Calgary Police Service information check before a licence is issued,” says Chief Livery Inspector Abdul Rafih. “Safety is a shared responsibility with those using the service, and it’s important to verify that the vehicle and the driver are legitimate before you get in.”

For more information on regulations and safety tips, visit Calgary.ca/taxi.

If you have any concerns or you are approached by a driver soliciting business, please report the incident to 3-1-1 for investigation. If your safety is threatened, call 9-1-1 immediately.