TAXI BILL OF RIGHTS IMPROVES METRO VANCOUVER SERVICE

VANCOUVER – The Province is launching a Taxi Bill of Rights to achieve a higher level of service in Metro Vancouver, announced Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon today.

“We want to establish a world-class taxi industry, protecting the rights of passengers and drivers,” said Falcon. “That’s why we are introducing a bill of rights, to better co-ordinate and track complaint investigation and resolution and improve service.”

Taxis in the Metro Vancouver area will now be required to display a decal of the bill of rights in the rear passenger window of their cabs. A key element of the bill of rights is a passenger’s right to be picked up and transported to their stated destination. This is supported by a new enhanced trip refusal regulation, enabling enforcement officers to ticket taxi drivers $288 per offence.

The ministry has consulted extensively with the Vancouver Taxi Association, the BC Taxi Association, taxi company managers and drivers, taxi user groups, local governments, enforcement officials, and other key stakeholders to develop the bill of rights.

“The taxi industry as a whole is pleased with the steps the government has taken in implementing the Taxi Bill of Rights,” said Tony Bhullar of the Vancouver Taxi Association. “We are especially appreciative of the fact that it identifies the rights of both passengers and drivers. In our opinion, it is fair and equitable, and as a result we will see better taxi service in Metro Vancouver.”

“The BC Taxi Association fully supports the Taxi Bill of Rights, which protects not only the rights of the passengers, but also addresses the safety of the taxi drivers on duty,” said Mohan Kang of the BC Taxi Association. “The Ministry of Transportation shares our commitment to provide a safe and efficient taxi industry.”

A toll-free phone line (1-888-564-9963) and a website (www.taxirights.gov.bc.ca) are now available for public feedback regarding Metro Vancouver taxi services. In partnership with the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA), issues will be tracked and callers will be referred to the appropriate body for investigation and resolution. Provincial regulation and licensing issues will be directed to the Passenger Transportation Branch, municipal bylaw issues to the appropriate municipality, and service quality issues to the appropriate taxi company.

“We are very pleased to be involved with this initiative and act as a referral source for consumers on this issue,” said Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, manager of public relations for the BPCPA. “This new partnership with the Ministry of Transportation complements the BPCPA’s existing mandate to deliver consumer protection services throughout British Columbia.”

The bill of rights is a statement of principles, clearly outlining the rights of both the passenger and the driver:

Taxi passengers have the right to:

Be picked up and transported to their stated destination by any available on duty taxi driver
Pay the posted rate by cash, or accepted credit card or TaxiSaver voucher
A courteous driver who provides assistance, if requested
Travel with an assistance dog or portable mobility aid
A taxi that is clean, smoke free and in good repair
Direct the route, or expect the most economical route
A quiet atmosphere, upon request
A detailed receipt, when requested

Taxi drivers must obey all laws and have the right to refuse to transport a passenger:

To avoid contravening a law or condition of licence
To protect the driver’s, or any passenger’s, health or safety
If the passenger is acting in an offensive manner

If the passenger refuses to provide a deposit, if requested

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Media contact:	Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation 250 356-7707

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