Council discusses unlicensed taxi situation

By Mark Ribble

Leamington Council discussed the issue of taxi licensing at their meeting on May 24, with the revelation that — as of that day — there were no licensed taxi companies in the municipality.

Councillor Paul Tiessen brought a question to council about the amount of taxi cabs driving around Leamington without taxi licences displayed.

“What’s going on in the taxi-cab industry?” he asked.

The town’s Director of Legal and Legislative Services, Ruth Orton, said that by-law enforcement continues to investigate illegal taxis within the community.

In a discussion about illegal taxis picking up fares ahead of licensed companies, Orton said the town takes a threepronged approach.

By-law has to first identify the vehicles that are being used as taxis and who is operating them, then an educational approach is taken, which includes educating passengers about the risk they take when they ride in an illegal taxi. This step also includes educating the drivers themselves and also reaches businesses who use their services.

“By-law enforcement has forged a relationship with the Migrant Worker Community Program,” said Orton.

She said that relationship has helped in trying to educate the migrant workers on using only licensed taxi companies.

The final step is enforcement, which includes the issuing of tickets and fines. It’s a joint effort between by-law enforcement, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ontario Provincial Police.

“The most challenging part is that charges have to be proven in court,” said Orton.

She said in order to have enforceable charges, an officer must witness first-hand, the exchange of money with an illegal taxi driver.

Tiessen also asked about taxi companies being sold, as he said that the municipality is being blamed on social media for ‘shutting down’ the taxi industry.

PAUL TIESSEN

Orton explained that taxi companies that are sold to someone who is not already licenced must go through a number of steps, which include inspections of vehicles among other things.

“We’re the ones taking the heat for this,” said Tiessen. “Could the process not be more seamless?”

Tiessen used the analogy of buying or selling a home, where you have to have “all your ducks in a row” before the sale can close.

Orton replied that it would certainly help the transfer of the company be more seamless.

“We have to do our due diligence to ensure all bylaw requirements are met before we issue a license,” said Orton.

She added that there are two companies currently waiting to be licensed and they should have those licenses shortly.

Tiessen then asked how many licensed taxi companies there were currently in Leamington and Manager of Legislative Services Brenda Percy provided the answer.

“Right now, there are no licensed taxis within the municipality,” she replied.

They expected two license applications to be approved late last week.

Tiessen expressed concern if there is an accident involving an unlicensed and/or uninsured taxi, saying, “It’s buyer beware.”

Mayor Hilda MacDonald echoed that sentiment. “It’s not us trying to keep the companies from operating,” she said. “It’s the municipality trying to keep the residents safe. It’s not that complicated.”