Ride Sharing
Background Information
With increasing popularity of ride-sharing concepts, the municipality’s role in licensing vehicles is somewhat challenged. As such, the City of St. Thomas is considering adopting a more open market philosophy to review Taxi By-Law 145-2013 and decide its functionality. This website page will host answers to some questions that the public may have surrounding this shift. Public engagement is encouraged through email or mail. Feedback will then be shared through an expanding Q&A section below. Please bookmark this page to return often in order to see the answers to public feedback questions and gain further understanding on the impacts of the proposed changes.
A report to Council was presented at the November 16, 2020 meeting whereby Council directed staff to undertake public engagement before summarizing feedback in a follow-up report.
Currently, the City of St. Thomas issues Taxi Licenses to drivers employed by cab companies operating within the city. There is an application process including a vulnerable sector police check, valid driver’s license and letter of employment from the cab company accompanied by a license fee. Photo identification cards are issued and are valid for the calendar year.
Because there are rapidly changing patterns and consumer behaviour in this area of transportation, there is a proposal to eliminate the need for a Taxi By-Law.
You can submit your comments by March 19, 2021 via email or mail to:
Environmental Services Department
Ride Sharing Engagement
P.O. Box 520, 545 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7
The personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act solely for the purposes of improving the City’s services. The names, addresses and contact information of those providing input will not be disclosed.