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The Ontario Accessible Cab Story Ottawa’s Experience

The Ontario Accessible Cab Story Ottawa’s Experience. Presented to the IATR September 21, 2005, Niagara Falls, Ontario by Susan Jones, Director By-law Services, City of Ottawa. Ottawa At A Glance. F ourth largest city in Canada / Nation’s Capital

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The Ontario Accessible Cab Story Ottawa’s Experience

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  1. The Ontario Accessible Cab StoryOttawa’s Experience Presented to the IATR September 21, 2005, Niagara Falls, Ontario by Susan Jones, Director By-law Services, City of Ottawa

  2. Ottawa At A Glance • Fourth largest city in Canada / Nation’s Capital • Population – approximately 800,000 and growing • City spans 977 square miles with 150+ communities • 89 square miles (8.3%) urban area • 888 square miles (91.7%) rural area

  3. Background • Ottawa amalgamated on January 1, 2001 • 11 lower tier municipalities • 1 upper tier Regional Government • 6 lower tier municipal taxi licensing by-laws • Existing by-laws remain in effect until changed or repealed or they reach a 5 year sunset clause (January 1, 2006)

  4. Ottawa’s Taxi Industry in 2001 • 1001 Standard Taxicab Plates • Approximately 2000 licensed drivers • 17 Licensed Brokers • No Accessible Taxicab Service • Disabled Community Served By “ParaTranspo” • 24 hrs Notice Required For Service

  5. History of Accessible Cab Service in Ottawa • Early 1990’s • Federal & Provincial Grants • Very small fleet • Ineffective service • Low service demand/Para Transpo • Expensive to purchase/operate

  6. History of Accessible Cab Service in Ottawa • Provincial Standard CSA D409 • Institutional look • Inappropriate as a taxicab • Limited to serving only the disabled

  7. New Accessible Taxi Cab Reforms 2001-2004 • Issuance of 25 plates by lottery • Newer vehicle (less than 2 years) • Enhanced training • Allow for plates to be sold but only after 5 years in business • Plate must always be accessible • Give priority to requests for Accessible Cabs

  8. Accessible Plate Distribution • Lottery • Issuance to first 25 drivers • Enhanced training • 32 hour course • Purchase of accessible vehicle • $1.00 annual license fee • Priority list

  9. ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS 2002 AND 2004 • City of Ottawa successfully lobbies Ontario Provincial Government • Changes implemented to accommodate new accessible taxicabs

  10. LONDON BLACK CAB2002

  11. REAR LOADING ACCESSIBLE CAB2004

  12. OTTAWA’S ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB SERVICE • Very well received by accessible community • Taxi driver union imposes 2 driver limit on each vehicle • Not enough cabs to provide reliable service • Some drivers not picking up accessible fares/prefer to pick up standard fares • Popularity of London Cabs results in alleged additional bookings for weddings and tours

  13. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS • Consultant retained to determine appropriate number of accessible cabs needed to provide service • At minimum 25 plates needed right away

  14. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS • 4 options identified based on service needs • Population Percentage = 38 plates • General Availability = 50-70 plates • Reasonable Comparability = 135-185 plates • Equal Level Service = 1026 plates

  15. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 • All new plates issued in the future shall be for “Accessible taxicabs” • Beginning 2006, 40 new accessible taxicab plates issued each year until 2009 or whichever event comes later

  16. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 • Because of industry opposition concerning the issuance of additional plates, Council will consider allowing existing plate holders to convert to accessible within the required timelines

  17. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 • Once target of accessible plates has been met, issuance of any additional plates will be based on a ratio to determine maximum number of taxicabs: • 1 taxicab for every 784 residents

  18. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 Taxicab Driver Training • September 1st, 2006 – • To obtain a Taxicab Driver Licence, all drivers must successfully complete standard and accessible driver training course

  19. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 • Age of Vehicles Restriction will be the same for Accessible Cabs as they are for standard cabs –Less than 7 model years old • Exception: London Black Cab-less than 14 model years old

  20. NEW PROPOSED ACCESSIBLE TAXICAB REFORMS FOR JANUARY 1,2006 • GPS and Digital Security Camera system to be in all cabs by 2008 • Significant opposition by industry may result in Council decision to have equipment operating in accessible cabs first. (Pilot Project)

  21. NEXT STEPS • Ottawa City Council to consider proposals on September 28th. • Council Disposition can be found online at ottawa.ca • Information or questions: susan.jones@ottawa.ca • Telephone: 613-580-2424 x25536

  22. QUESTIONS

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