Lloydminster council has passed its taxi and vehicle-for-hire bylaw, which aims to improve safety for riders and drivers.
The item received its final two readings at the Dec. 15 regular council meeting.
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The bylaw was in need of updates to focus on Lloydminster-based solutions.
“The updated bylaw enhances city efficiency, maintains strong oversight of the industry and supports public safety and trust,” said Andrew DeGruchy, director of public safety, City of Lloydminster.
Within the updated bylaw, the city now stipulates all vehicles-for-hire must contain a functioning recording device that captures audio of all conversations and/or video from the entire interior and exterior of the vehicle while it’s in operation.
An extra fee will apply to requests with more than four passengers.
DeGruchy explained the city has seen an increase in ridership.
“Taxi ridership in the community continues to increase with options such as the senior taxi program seeing increases on an annual basis,” he said.
Once the bylaw passes, administration will host in-person meetings to communicate with those affected by the updated bylaw.
“Upon passing of the bylaw, administration intends to host in-person meetings with brokers and drivers to further communicate requirements of the updated bylaw, including what immediate steps must be changed and what timelines are permitted for other changes,” said DeGruchy.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers asked if the brokers understood why the city updated the bylaw the way it did.
“I believe there is a level of understanding from the brokers around the public safety matters that we’re trying to enforce by doing it,” said DeGruchy. “The brokers are just trying to be clear. Essentially, the inflationary constraints that they’re facing as companies at the same time, we’re trying to find the balance there.”
Aalbers also noted communication between all the parties is important.
“Communication is key. All parties are aware of issues as well as their opportunities, challenges, and sharing that back and forth,” he said.
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