Livery Transport Bylaw review
On May 27, 2019, Council approved the accelerated review of the Livery Transport Bylaw 6M2007, which regulates drivers, vehicles and companies in Calgary's taxi, limousine and rideshare industry.
In 2019, Phase One of the Bylaw Review project involved the completion of several deliverables, including a discussion paper, best practices review, guiding principles for the Bylaw review and stakeholder and public engagement.
Phase Two of the Bylaw review included preparation of regulatory framework options for Council direction in July 2020, followed by drafting of proposed Bylaw changes in alignment with the approved regulatory framework. Proposed Bylaw changes were shared with industry through targeted stakeholder engagement in Q4 2020 to help Administration refine and finalize proposed amendments. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is provided in Stakeholder Report Back: What We Heard.
New Livery Transport Bylaw
A new Livery Transport Bylaw 20M2021 and fee schedule was approved by Council on March 22, 2021. The new Bylaw streamlines regulations and operations, strengthens safety requirements across sectors and enables customers to have a range of affordable and convenient vehicle-for-hire choices. For a summary of the key Bylaw changes, please see the summary chart below.
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License fees: The new Fee Schedule begins 2022 January 01. |
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Driver training and responsibilities: All drivers must meet minimum service and safety expectations. All new drivers must take either the on-line Livery Driver Training program or the classroom Livery Driver Training program. New fees will go into effect for both options in 2022. Should a driver wish to obtain a City driver’s licence in another sector, no additional training is required providing the driver holds a valid and subsisting livery driver’s licence. |
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Combined taxi/limo drivers license: An individual will have one licence allowing them to drive both taxi and limousine. All current Limousine Driver’s Licence (LDL) holders will be transitioned to Taxi Driver’s Licences (TDL). All current LDL holders will be notified regarding the individual changes to their licence. |
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Vehicle inspection frequency: The mandated mechanical inspections for all taxi, limousine and TNC vehicles is every 12 months. The inspection form must be submitted to Livery Transport Services on or before the expiry date and a copy must also be kept in the vehicle. This provision applies to all inspections submitted on or after March 23, 2021. The expiry dates for all vehicle inspections submitted before this bylaw change will remain in effect. |
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Vehicle age limits: All taxis, limousines and TNC vehicles have the same age limit; no more than ten (10) model years old. All currently registered vehicles will be extended to align with the new age limit dates. |
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TNC company markings: All TNC vehicles must display a company trademark which is approved by the Chief Livery Inspector. The trademark signage and instructions will be provided by the TNC to affiliated drivers and the red TNC sticker must be removed from the TNC vehicle. |
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Security camera signage: Any taxi, limousine or TNC vehicle, equipped with a camera, must display a decal or sign which indicates a security camera is installed and images of the passengers are being recorded. Limousine App or TNC customers must not be allowed to pay by cash, even if an optional security camera is present. |
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Limousine changes: Limousines with increased seating capacity (including driver) up to 24 persons must now be licensed with The City. Removal of Specialized Limousine category. |
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Upfront pricing: Taxi companies may now choose to offer upfront pricing for all street hail and dispatch service instead of the taxi meter rate. The technology must be in place to calculate the fare prior to the trip beginning; and the total must not exceed the taxi meter rate. Should the taxi company begin using upfront pricing, LTS must be informed. Of note, once upfront pricing is implemented, operating between both fare options is not allowed. |
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Taxi plate holder responsibilities: Must ensure the livery vehicle joined to the plate complies with all Bylaw requirements. No longer required to personally attend mandated yearly vehicle inspections. No longer required to drive a minimum of 981 hours per year. Unable to collect the taxi plate licence renewal fee from the driver. |
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