The Passenger Transportation Board has decided to discontinue the taxi camera program. The decision is based on issues of camera supply, data accessibility, emerging technology, and affordability.

This decision follows a comprehensive review of the program over the last 18 months. As part of the review, Board staff have engaged key stakeholders, conducted extensive research and analysis, and considered the recommendations of the Special Committee on Passenger Directed Vehicles.

What does this decision mean for licensees?

This decision does not mean that the Board prohibits the use of cameras. The Board will simply no longer administer a mandatory taxi camera program for a selected group of taxis operating in certain geographical areas.

The Board supports the decision of any and all licensees to use cameras if they wish. Taxi licensees who have installed cameras that were previously approved by the Board as part of the program can continue to use these cameras. In all instances, licensees must ensure that their camera use meets the requirements of provincial privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection Act.

Why did the Board make this decision?

The Board’s decision to end the taxi camera program is based on several factors:

The camera models currently approved for use in the program are no longer being manufactured, and the remaining supply is very limited. There are no direct substitutes currently available on the market.

The sustainability of the program is based on manufacturers applying to the Board for approval of new models. The only applications the Board has received in recent years are for cameras that do not satisfy Board requirements, particularly relating to security and privacy.

Most new cameras do not use data-encryption software and hardware for storage of footage. They also have front/outward-facing capability. These features do not meet the requirements of the Board’s taxi camera program.

There are problems with outdated, proprietary software associated with existing cameras that are currently in service, emerging technical challenges for access to footage by law enforcement, and limited camera installation services in the province.

The program requirements for taxi cameras do not align with emerging technology and the direction that manufacturers are moving. Most new cameras are less expensive and mounted on a dash, rearview mirror, or windshield. They are not hard-wired into the vehicle.

The Board recognizes concerns raised by industry that taxi camera requirements apply to certain taxis operating in specific areas of the province, and the Special Committee’s related concerns about equitable application of requirements to all passenger transportation vehicles.

Can I still use cameras in my vehicle?

The Board supports the decision of licensees to use cameras if they feel it is necessary for safety or other reasons.

Taxi licensees who have installed cameras that were previously approved by the Board as part of the program can continue to use these cameras.

In keeping with the recommendations of the Special Committee to Review Passenger Directed Vehicles, the Board will allow any licensee in the province to use cameras if they wish, so long as they are compliant with privacy laws. This will allow all Board-licensed passenger transportation services to use cameras that work for them, supporting greater affordability, choice, and flexibility for licensees. It also ensures that all passenger transportation services are regulated equitably with respect to the use of cameras in vehicles.

Licensees and operators who choose to use cameras must comply with applicable privacy legislation (Personal Information Protection Act) and associated requirements. As the use of cameras in all passenger transportation vehicles shifts to a voluntary approach, the Board is providing guidance  for those who wish to use cameras in their vehicles. There is specific guidance pertaining to privacy and security as well as best practice information.

What happens next?

From September 11, 2025, the use of taxi cameras will be entirely voluntary. Those licensees who have been previously required to have cameras in their taxis may continue to use their existing cameras if they wish, but the use of cameras will no longer be compulsory. Licensees may also choose to use other types of cameras as long as they meet privacy requirements as described above.

More information

Further information on the use of cameras in passenger-directed vehicles is available on the Board website. For additional inquiries, please contact the Passenger Transportation Board at ptboard@gov.bc.ca.