(Rescinded October 18, 2023)

(Rescinded on November 23, 2023. Please see the updated version in the Policy Manual.)

Purpose

To describe how the Board determines whether exclusions apply to the definitions of passenger directed vehicle (PDV) or inter-city bus (ICB).  

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act defines the terms “inter-city bus” and “passenger directed vehicle” as follows :      
"inter-city bus" means a commercial passenger vehicle when it is operated

1. on a set time schedule
   1. between a prescribed municipality and another location outside the municipality, whether in British Columbia or not, or
   2. between a location in a prescribed regional district and another location inside or outside the prescribed regional district, whether in British Columbia or not,
2. for individual fares,
3. over a regular route, and
4. between fixed terminating points, picking up or dropping off passengers at intermediate points as necessary,

and includes or excludes any commercial passenger vehicle or type of commercial passenger vehicle prescribed by regulation.   

   
"passenger directed vehicle" means a commercial passenger vehicle if that vehicle 

1. can accommodate a driver and not more than the number of passengers prescribed by the regulations, and  
2. is operated to and from locations determined by the passenger or group of passengers or by a person acting on behalf of the passenger or group of passengers,  

and includes or excludes any commercial passenger vehicle or type of commercial passenger vehicle prescribed by regulation.      
Specific exclusions from the definitions of “inter-city bus” and “passenger directed vehicle” are set out in sections 2 and 3 respectively of the Passenger Transportation Regulation.  

Policy

The Board follows a two-step process to determine whether an exclusion applies to a particular type of commercial passenger vehicle:   

1.    The Board determines or confirms whether commercial passenger vehicles meet the definitional elements of a PDV or ICB.  If they do, then a special authorization is required unless there is an applicable exclusion.     

2.    The Board reviews the ICB or PDV exclusions to determine if one is applicable.

Effective date

June 28, 2005 

Revised

May 28, 2008      
March 31, 2016   

Purpose

To describe how the Board handles constitutional questions (i.e. matters related to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms).  

Legislation

The Board does not have jurisdiction over constitutional questions (see section 6(3) of the Passenger Transportation Act and section 44(1) of the Administrative Tribunals Act.)

Policy

The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide constitutional matters, and it does not have jurisdiction to refer constitutional questions to the Court. 
Where a constitutional question is raised on a matter that is before the Board, the Board will proceed with the normal Board process, unless an applicant makes application to a Court in the nature of a prohibition to prevent the Board from considering the application.  
Where the Board receives notice that such an application has been made to a Court, the Board may adjourn its proceedings pending the outcome of the Court application.   

Effective date

June 28, 2005 

Revised

June 28, 2005 

Purpose

To clarify the meaning and use of “new information” and “error in procedure” as they relate to requests of the Board to reconsider, vary or rescind a previous Board decision under section 21(4)(a) of the Passenger Transportation Act.  

Legislation

Section 21(4) of the Passenger Transportation Act states that the Board may reconsider, vary or rescind any decision made by it if the Board is satisfied that (a) information has become available that was not available at the time the decision was made, or (b) there has been an error in procedure.

Policy

“New evidence” is evidence that could not have been obtained if a party had made a reasonable effort to get it prior to the decision. 

New evidence is not additional or more evidence (such as more letters from potential service users) that is gathered or created after the Board’s original decision.  The question that anyone requesting reconsideration should ask themselves is: “If I had made an effort, could I have obtained this evidence before the original decision was made?”

The purpose of “new evidence” is to allow the Board to consider evidence that was unavailable at the time the application was decided.  It is not to provide applicants with an opportunity to submit more information to correct or rectify an unsuccessful application.

“Error in procedure” relates to the Board’s duty of administrative fairness. The Board has a duty to act fairly and impartially in making its decisions.  An error in procedure occurs when the Board does not act fairly. Procedural fairness relates to the Board’s decision making process, not to the outcome of the decision. Disagreement with the Board’s analysis or reasons does not give rise to an “error of procedure".

The Board has developed Rules of Practice and Procedure to outline its processes.  Although the Board may vary a rule or timeline “where appropriate in the circumstances”, these rules are normally followed by the Board.  Failure to follow a Rule may give rise to an error of procedure. 

Effective date

September 20, 2005 

Revised

January 31, 2008 
May 28, 2008 
March 31, 2016 
August 11, 2016

Purpose

To provide guidance on making written submissions on applications.

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act states that the Board must consider written submissions filed on time and accompanied by the $50 fee.  Timelines for submissions may vary and are stated when the application is posted on the Board’s electronic “Weekly Bulletin”.     
A person making a submission does not become a party to the application process.

Context

Submissions may support or oppose an application.  In practice, most submissions are written by competitors who oppose an application.   
When reviewing applications the Board considers:

1.     whether there is a public need for the service the applicant proposes to provide under any special authorization,
2.     whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to provide that service and is capable of providing that service, and

3.     whether the application, if granted, would promote sound economic conditions in the passenger transportation business in British Columbia. 

Policy

The Board member reviewing an application file considers all submissions that meet filing requirements.   

The Board expects submitters to tell the Board why they support or object to an application.  Submitters should provide factual information to support general statements.  The Board will not speculate as to a submitter’s case. 

The Board will give more weight to submissions that (a) relate directly to the considerations outlined above and (b) provide the Board with factual information to support or confirm statements.   

The Board may give little weight to irrelevant information or general statements not supported by facts.  For example, a statement that an application should be denied because “there is no public need” is a general statement.  It does not provide the Board with factual information or evidence about why there is not public need.

Effective date

July 14, 2008

Revised

May 28, 2008   
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To clarify the Board’s policy for handling applications where applicants claim “urgent public need.”

Legislation

Section 26 (3) of the Passenger Transportation Act (the Act) allows the Board to process applications without publication or receipt of submissions if the Board is satisfied that there is an urgent public need for the service proposed in the application. 

Context

Processing an application based on urgent public need is an exception to the public process for considering applications.  

Policy

“Urgent” is relative to the public’s need, not the applicants.  There are limited circumstances where the Board may be satisfied that an urgent public need exists.   

When assessing an applicant’s claim of “urgent public need,” regardless of the circumstances, the Board may consider such things as:

•     Whether other licensees are available to provide a comparable service to the public
•     Whether there is a real public demand for the service
•     How the “urgency” came to exist 
•     Whether any of the “urgency” was due to the applicants’ delay

If the Board refuses to process an application based on “urgent public need,, applicants should expect that the application will be returned to the application queue.   

If the Board processes an application based on “urgent public need, following section 28(1) of the Act, the Board will first consider applicant fitness, which is a threshold test.  If the Board considers that an applicant is a fit and proper person and capable of providing a service, it will then consider whether there is an urgent public need for the service and whether the application, if granted, would promote sound economic conditions in the transportation industry in BC.

Effective date

July 21, 2004

Revised

February 27, 2008  
May 28, 2008  
March 31, 2016  
February 1, 2023

Purpose

To streamline application requirements when a transfer application is administrative in nature.

Legislation

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, the Board may approve transfer applications if it considers that an applicant is a fit and proper person and capable of providing service.  Note: a transfer application is not required when there is an ownership change within a corporation (i.e. change of shareholders).  

Context

The Board looks for opportunities to streamline processes and reduce red tape for licensees and applicants.  

Policy

Transfer requirements may be streamlined when the Board is satisfied that the transfer application is administrative in nature, such as when the principals for the transferor and transferee are the same or mostly the same individuals.     

Examples of circumstances when an administrative transfer may be possible are:

1.    A sole proprietor converts the business to a limited corporation and the proprietor becomes the sole shareholder of the new corporation. 

2.    A partner leaves the partnership and the company changes from a partnership to (a) a sole proprietorship, (b) a new partnership or (c) a new corporation. Streamlined transfer application requirements would apply only where a majority of the original partners continue as principals for the transferee.

3.    One corporation is voluntarily being dissolved and a new corporation is established with the same principals or majority of the same principals. 

After receiving an administrative transfer application, the Board may require additional information or documents before it makes a decision on the application.

Effective date

November 3, 2006

Revised

May 28, 2008      
November 5, 2009;       
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To clarify the use of social media as evidence in Board decision-making

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Board makes decisions on a variety of applications related to the operation of passenger directed vehicles and inter-city buses. 

Context

The Board makes evidence-based decisions.  Evidence is information provided to the Board by applicants or submitters to establish their case.  Evidence must be reliable, relevant and probative, i.e. capable of proving a fact.  Evidence must be capable of being tested and verified.

Policy

Social media has become a major source for public opinion and impromptu expression.  Whether it is relevant to an application before the Board will depend upon its probative value.  Social media evidence, like other evidence, must be capable of being tested and verified.   

The Board will review the social media posts and decide what weight they should receive.  Quantity does not necessarily equate to relevancy or reliability. More trustworthy and probative evidence will receive more weight. 

In reviewing public need, the Board finds specific information from individuals about their use of a passenger directed vehicles – how often, when, where, service quality experience – than petitions, form letters or general social media posts. 

The Board expects applicants (or submitters) to analyze information and tell the Board what it shows or proves. Reams of raw data, such as strings of posts, may not be meaningful to the Board.  Putting raw data into a table or chart may show trends or common responses. A sample of the raw data should also be provided for reference 

The Board must know the identity of people who post on social media sites in case it has follow-up questions. When social media evidence is submitted, the person who submits it is expected to document and authenticate it.   The Board does not accept unsolicited social media posts.  

To document social media evidence, persons submitting such evidence should provide the following:

1.     A complete copy of the material being submitted (in writing or electronically) 
2.     The date the material was retrieved
3.     The URL from where the material was retrieved 
4.     The identity and contact information for the persons who wrote the text, tweet, post or other social media comment, and
5.     A copy of notice to the people whose social media texts, tweets, posts or other social media comments are being submitted advising them that the information is being disclosed to the Board as part of its consideration of a specific application and may be treated as public information.

Effective date

April 4, 2012

Revised

October 21, 2015      
March 31, 2016

(Rescinded November 9, 2023)

(Rescinded November 16, 2023)

(Rescinded November 9, 2023)

Purpose

To provide direction on when operators must obtain a licence and vehicle identifiers after the Board approves a special authorization.

Legislation

Section 28 (2) of the Passenger Transportation Act allows the Board to set terms and conditions of licence if it approves an application.  

Context

The Board considers current public need for a service when it approves a new application, amendments to existing licences or additional vehicles.  To ensure that this public need is addressed, applicants should activate their licence within a reasonable time.  

Policy

A.    New licence, transfers (PDVs)            
An applicant must activate at least 50% of the vehicles approved in a decision within 6 months of the date of this decision.   

1.     Unless the Board orders otherwise, if no vehicles are activated, the Board’s approval of the Special Authorization expires   
2.     If less than 50% of the vehicles are activated within the 6 month period, the outstanding vehicles cannot be activated after the 6 month period without Board approval. 

If an applicant requires an extension beyond the 6 months, it must make a request to the Board before the end of the 6 month activation period.     

B.    Additional vehicles (PDVs)           
The licensee must activate the additional vehicles within 6 months of the date of the decision.  Any additional vehicles that have not been activated within 6 months are no longer approved and the maximum fleet size on the licence is reduced accordingly unless the Board orders otherwise.   

C.    New licence, transfers (PDVs) – Urgent public need applications           
An applicant must activate at least 50% of the vehicles approved in a decision within 60 days of the date of this decision.   

1.     Unless the Board orders otherwise, if no vehicles are activated, the Board’s approval of the Special Authorization expires   
2.     If less than 50% of the vehicles are activated within the 6 month period, the outstanding vehicles cannot be activated after the 6 month period without Board approval. 

If an applicant requires an extension beyond the 60 days, it must make a request to the Board before the end of the 60 day activation period.     

D.    Additional vehicles (PDVs)- Urgent public need applications           
The licensee must activate the additional vehicles within 45 days of the date of the decision.  Any additional vehicles that have not been activated within 45 days are no longer approved and the maximum fleet size of the licensee is reduced accordingly unless the Board orders otherwise.  

E.    New licence, transfers (ICBs)           
An applicant must activate at least 1 vehicle within 6 months of the date of this decision.           
If an applicant requires an extension beyond the 6 months, it must make a request to the Board before the end of the 6 month activation period.     

F.     New licence, transfers (ICBs) – Urgent public need applications           
An applicant must activate at least 1 vehicle within 60 days of the date of the decision.           
If an applicant requires an extension beyond the 60 days, it must make a request to the Board before the end of the 60 day activation period.     

G.    Approvals to amend an authorization           
Unless otherwise specified by the Board, approvals for amendments to licences become effective  

1. when the applicant meets the requirements of section   29(1) of the Act, or 
2.  when the licence is renewed pursuant to section 34.

Effective Date

July 21, 2004 

Revised

May 28, 2008           
March 12, 2012;            
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To clarify how terms and conditions of licence for passenger directed vehicles may be established if additional vehicles are requested pursuant to a contract.

Legislation

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, licensees must apply to the Board to increase their maximum fleet size.  The Board must consider public need, applicant fitness and sound economic conditions in assessing these applications.  

Context

At times, licensees may submit a contract as evidence of public need. 

Policy

When an applicant relies largely on a contract to demonstrate need for one or more additional vehicles, the decision-making panel will generally establish terms and conditions that:

• Tie all or some of the additional vehicles to the existence of a contract between the licensee and the contracting party. 
• At the time of licence renewal, requires licensees to submit proof to the Registrar that the contract remains in good standing.

Effective date

November 3, 2006 

Revised

May 28, 2008   
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To describe “engaged carrier authorization.”

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Board must approve all authorizations to operate inter-city buses or passenger directed vehicles.  It is contrary to the Passenger Transportation Act to operate a motor vehicle as an inter-city bus or passenger directed vehicle unless authorized under a valid licence.  

Policy

To cover the limited circumstances where an inter-city bus or passenger directed vehicle licensee requires immediate assistance to manage passenger overflows, the Board may establish an “engaged carrier authorization” as a term and condition of licence.  This authorization will allow other licensees to operate vehicles as inter-city buses or passenger directed vehicles in specific circumstances.    
The Board may consider letters from authorized inter-city bus or passenger directed vehicle operators as proof of need for an engaged carrier authorization.

Effective date

August 11, 2004 

Revised

May 28, 2008

(Rescinded November 3, 2023)

Purpose

To outline the meaning of vehicle capacity and how it is stated in terms and conditions of licence for passenger directed vehicles.

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act & Regulations define a "passenger directed vehicle" as a commercial passenger vehicle that (a) can accommodate a driver and not more than 11 passengers, (b) is operated to and from locations determined by the passenger or group of passengers or by a person acting on behalf of the passenger or group of passengers, (c) with perimeter seating, regardless of how many passengers the commercial passenger vehicle can accommodate.

Context

Vehicle capacity should be stated in such a way as to give operators flexibility with respect to fleet management yet maintain distinctions among vehicle categories.

Policy

A.     Vehicle accommodation 
Vehicle accommodation is the maximum number of passengers plus a driver that a vehicle can legally accommodate at any one time.  
If an operator uses a vehicle with a manufacturer’s carrying capacity of greater than 12 persons and removes any seats or seatbelts, so that the vehicle can only accommodate 11 passengers or less (and a driver), then the vehicle meets the definition of a passenger directed vehicle and a special authorization is required from the Board for its operation. 

B.    Vehicle capacity bands for terms and conditions of licence: 
Unless the Board specifies otherwise, vehicle capacity on terms and conditions of licence applications will be in one of the following bands:

Note

Vehicle capacity focuses on the seating capacity of the vehicle, not on the actual number of passengers that a licensee transports at any one time. 
Unless otherwise stated on the terms & conditions of licence, the number of passengers that a licensee transports ranges from 1 to the maximum number of passengers that a vehicle may legally carry.

Effective date

November 10, 2004 (vehicle capacity) 
July 5, 2007 (banding)

Revised & merged

May 28, 2008

Revised

March 31, 2016

Purpose

To explain Board terms and conditions with respect to specialty vehicles. 

Legislation

Section 28 (2) of the Passenger Transportation Act allows the Board to set terms and conditions of licence if it approves an application.  

Context

Some applicants base their applications for passenger directed vehicles on the use of a specific type of vehicle.  

Policy

If the Board approves an application in which public need and sound economic conditions are linked to the use of a certain type of vehicle, the Board may establish the use of specialty vehicles as a term and condition of licence.  Examples of specialty vehicles include:

• Accessible taxis or vehicles
• Classic (vintage) vehicles
• Convertibles
• Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive passenger vans
• Sedan limousines
• Sport utility vehicles
• Specific make of a vehicle, such as a Rolls Royce or Bentley

Effective date

November 10, 2004

Revised

May 28, 2008
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To clarify the term “Vancouver International Airport” (YVR) as it is used in some terms and conditions of licence.

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act, section 28(2)(a), enables to the Board to establish terms and conditions of licence on Special Authorization licences.

Context

Some taxi and limousine licences permit or prohibit the origination or destination of passengers at the “Vancouver International Airport” (YVR).  

YVR is located on Sea Island, in the City of Richmond.  Facilities at the airport proper include two parallel east-west runways and one cross-wind runway. Connected International and Domestic terminals serve destinations in Canada, the United States and around the world. The South Terminal serves smaller communities across British Columbia.  As well, 3 Canada Line stations are located on Sea Island to serve Vancouver International Airport.

There are many businesses and organizations located on Sea island as well as airline maintenance, helicopter and executive aircraft facilities, and a floatplane base.

Policy

For the purposes of terms and conditions of licence, unless otherwise specified, a reference to the “Vancouver International Airport” or “YVR” should be read as referring to the international, domestic or south terminals of the Airport, together with all Canada Line stations located on Sea Island.  It does not refer to other businesses and organizations on Sea Island in the Municipality of Richmond.

Note

This policy clarification is only applicable to terms and conditions of licences approved by the Passenger Transportation Board.  Ground transportation at YVR is managed by the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVRA) which may have additional requirements or regulations governing the pick up and drop off of passengers at the Airport.

Effective date

June 24, 2009

Revised

March 31, 2016

Purpose

To define the boundaries of “Vancouver.” 

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act allows the Board to set terms and conditions for licences with special authorization.

Context

The University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University Endowment Lands (UEL) are not governed by the City of Vancouver.    The UEL covers University Hill and Pacific Spirit Park.   UBC and the UEL are part of Electoral Area A in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.   
Some taxi and limousine licences allow the pick up or drop off of passengers in Vancouver.   Some inter-city bus licences include the City of Vancouver or the UEL as distinct route points.   

Policy

Taxis: 
Unless stated otherwise, any reference to Vancouver in the terms and conditions of licence for taxis should be read as including the City of Vancouver, UBC and the UEL.   

Limousines and other passenger directed vehicles: 
Unless stated otherwise, any reference to the Greater Vancouver Regional District in the terms and conditions of licence should be read as including the City of Vancouver, UBC and the UEL.   

Inter-city buses: 
Unless stated otherwise, any reference to Vancouver in the terms and conditions of licence for inter-city buses should be read as the area within the boundaries of the City of Vancouver only excluding UBC and the UEL.   

Effective date

December 9, 2009

Revised

March 6, 2013 
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To outline the Board’s policy goals with respect to accessible taxi service.

Legislation

The Passenger Transportation Act, section 28(2)(a), allows the Board to establish terms and conditions that are to apply to a licence.  

Context

The taxi industry is first and foremost a service industry. Taxis provide service for the general public. This includes people with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.      
Accessible and conventional taxi services should both be available to the public.  Wheelchair accessible taxis that a licensee operates should be managed and dispatched on a priority basis so the transportation needs of people mobility devices are adequately met.     

Vehicle minimums and options      
Licensees may, on their own initiative, operate any number of the taxis in their fleet as wheelchair accessible vehicles.  Any wheelchair accessible vehicle must meet vehicle standards set out in Division 44 (“Accessible Taxis”) of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.   

Applications to increase taxi availability      
When an applicant proposes to increase the number of taxis in their fleet or community, the Board looks to evidence supplied by the applicant to show the level of public need for all types of taxi services in the area.  The Board may consider the need for both conventional and accessible services—whether or not an applicant seeks to add wheelchair accessible services.  For applicants that serve medium-sized or larger communities, the Board expects them to include information about accessible services they provide and alternatives that are available in their community.    

Rates       
The Board makes no rate distinction between wheelchair accessible taxis and conventional taxis.   

Dual use      
Wheelchair accessible taxis are dual use. This means they may carry passengers whether or not a passenger has a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device.     

Flip seats      
Some licensees have express authorization to install flip seats in their accessible taxis.   This increases vehicle capacity to carry more passengers and more luggage.   It also gives drivers sources of revenue that are not available to drivers of smaller, conventional taxis.  This helps to offset the higher costs of operating wheelchair accessible taxis. 

Policy

General      
The goal is to have wheelchair accessible taxis integrated with taxi fleets in communities across British Columbia that have 8 or more taxis in operation.  The Board may consider the need for wheelchair accessible taxis in communities with less than 8 taxis.  It may do this in communities that have a high proportion of people 65 years of age or older or are known to have a high disability rate.       
When making decisions about terms and conditions for accessible taxis, the Board will consider the characteristics of the community.  Such considerations may include matters such as age and population demographics, the total number of conventional and wheelchair accessible taxis in the community, and proximity of the community to other transportation markets.       

Applications      
Except for operators in smaller communities, applicants seeking additional taxis are required to give the Board an Accessible Service Plan.  This document includes a priority dispatch plan, company details (accessible equipment, training, services, and management) and information about other accessible transportation services in their community.        

Terms and conditions      
If the Board approves an application for a new taxi service, or to add vehicles to an existing taxi fleet, it may approve or set terms and conditions that establish requirements regarding the operation of wheelchair accessible taxis.         
When the Board specifies a minimum number of wheelchair accessible taxis, it will specify as a term and condition of licence that wheelchair accessible vehicles are dispatched on a priority basis to persons with mobility aids who require accessible transportation.   In addition, the Board may specify as a term and condition minimum operating requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis. Operators approved for accessible taxis will also be approved for the installation of flip seats.

Effective date

February 27, 2008 

Revised

May 28, 2008      
March 12, 2012      
January 29, 2015      
March 31 2016      
May 22, 2020

Purpose

To encourage the use of eco-friendly taxis in British Columbia. 

Legislation

The Board set terms and conditions of licence, including types of vehicles that may be used.  

Context

The use of eco-friendly vehicles has environmental benefits for society as well as economic benefits for taxi companies and drivers.  Eco-friendly taxis are used in many urban areas in British Columbia. 

Policy

When an applicant seeks to start or expand a fleet of taxis, the Board applies the considerations set out in section 28(1) of the Passenger Transportation Act.  
If the Board approves an increase in the supply of taxis in Metro Vancouver or the Capital Regional District (CRD), all conventional taxis must be eco-friendly vehicles.  
The Board may also require the use of eco-friendly taxis in other areas of the province.  Before issuing a decision, the Board will advise an applicant of its intent to apply the policy.  The applicant will have an opportunity to respond.  

Eco-friendly vehicles

“Eco-friendly vehicles” include any vehicle with an all-electric or gas-electric fuel source.  They also include any vehicle, 2006 model year or newer, that meets any one of the following criteria: 

• any motor vehicle with a combined fuel consumption rating (“CFCR”) of 6.9 litres per 100 km or less
• any “special purpose vehicle” (i.e. SUV) or “full size” vehicle with a CFCR of 8.0 litres per 100 km or less, or
• any “van” or “minivan” with a CFCR of 10.1 litres per 100 km or less.

For the purposes of this policy, CFCR is determined by adding 55% of the vehicle's city fuel consumption rating to 45% of the vehicle's highway fuel consumption rating.  These calculations are based on data submitted by each vehicle's manufacturer to Transport Canada's Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Information System.   Fuel consumption data is published by vehicle manufacturers and Natural Resources Canada.

Effective date

May 16, 2007 

Revised

July 11, 2007
January 31, 2008
May 28, 2008
December 10, 2008
November 2, 2011
March 31, 2016
January 5, 2023

Purpose

To set requirements for sedan limousines and eco-friendly sedan limousines.

Context

Sedan limousines and sedan taxicabs are comparable in that they both have a seating capacity that can accommodate up to 5 passengers plus the driver.  These vehicles are used to provide separate and distinct services.  Board policies reflect these distinctions. For example, minimum hourly rates and vehicle size requirements for sedan limousines reflect luxury standards and vehicle styles that are generally expected when hiring a limousine service.  Such distinctions prevent confusion in the marketplace, facilitate the provision of appropriate transportation services, and promote sound, economic conditions in the provincial passenger transportation business.  

The Board also supports measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all transportation sectors.  Thus, the sedan limousine definition includes some smaller eco-friendly vehicles.  

Policy

The Passenger Transportation Board defines “sedan limousine” and “eco-friendly sedan limousine” as set out below.

A “sedan limousine” is:

1.  a motor vehicle that has 4 passenger doors and a closed body, bears a National Safety Mark or Compliance Label as a passenger car under the Canada Motor Safety Act, and 
   1.  has a wheelbase of not less than 113.0 inches, or
   2.  is a 2012 model or newer and has an overall length of not less than 202.0 inches; or,

2.  an “eco-friendly sedan limousine”.

An “eco-friendly sedan limousine” is a motor vehicle that has 4 passenger doors and a closed body, bears a National Safety Mark or Compliance Label as a passenger car under the Canada Motor Safety Act, and

1.     has a wheelbase of not less than 112.0 inches, 
2.     is powered by a hybrid of gasoline and electricity, electricity or bio-diesel 
3.     has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of not less than $50,000 Canadian, and 
4.     the vehicle is not more than 24 months old when the licensee first requests a vehicle identifier from the Registrar. 

Effective date

July 9, 2008 

Revised

July 14, 2008                 
July 31, 2008                 
June 4, 2014                 
March 31, 2016

Purpose

To ensure that metered rate changes are transparent to the public.

Context

When flag, distance and waiting time rates are adjusted on a taxi meter, only the change in flag rate is immediately apparent to passengers.  

Policy

Applications for any change to a metered taxi rates must include a change to the flag rate. 

Effective date

July 9, 2008

Purpose

To clarify that taxi operators may not charge for the transportation of a passenger’s personal baggage.   

Legislation

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, the Board may approve or set rates charged by a licensee operating passenger directed vehicles.  Under the Act, “rates” includes discount fares, deadhead charges, round trip fares, point-to-point fares, minimum charges, and any other fees or charges.”

The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations provides a definition of “freight” that expressly excludes “a passenger’s personal baggage.”  Freight and charges for freight are not subject to regulation under the Passenger Transportation Act. 

The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations defines "accessible taxi" as a taxi having a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 4 500 kg, which is designed and manufactured or converted for the purpose of transporting persons who use mobility aids.  It also defines “mobility aid” as a device, including a manual wheelchair, electric wheelchair and scooter, that is used to facilitate the transport, in a normally seated orientation, of a person with a physical disability.

Policy

Taxi operators must charge Board-approved rates whenever they are providing transportation for passengers.  

For the purposes of this policy, passenger transportation includes the transportation of passengers and any personal baggage, including domestic pets.  

Personal baggage includes items such as luggage, parcels and equipment that would fit in the trunk of a mid-sized, sedan-style taxicab. In circumstances where it is difficult to determine whether an item is personal baggage or freight, the presumption is that it is personal baggage.  

No extra fees may be charged for the transportation of personal baggage, mobility aids or assistance dogs.  The transportation of domestic pets is at the discretion of taxi drivers or companies.

Effective date

February 4, 2009

Revised

July 15, 2009
April 4, 2012

Purpose

To clarify the “harmonization” and “equalization” options for establishing common taxi rates in the same geographical area. 

Legislation

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, the Board may approve or set rates charged by a licensee operating passenger directed vehicles.  

Policy

The Board seeks to preserve the ability for a taxi licensee to propose rates that will enable it to provide a safe and reliable transportation service for passengers.  At the same time, the Board is generally supportive of licensee efforts to establish or maintain common rates among companies operating in the same area.  For licensees in the same area to establish common rates, they must make a “rates harmonization” request, or submit a Change of Rates application that includes a “rates equalization” rationale.  

Rates harmonization 
Rates harmonization is a process where the current rates of two or more taxi companies are weighted and averaged.   “Rates harmonization” requests are sent by licensees directly to the Board.  A rationale for the harmonization request must be included.   If the request is accepted, the rates of two or more companies will be weighted and averaged to derive a common rate.  The rates of some companies may decline, and the rates of others may increase.  Where less than 100% of the affected companies have requested rates harmonization, the Board may provide the other companies with an opportunity to comment and indicate whether they wish to participate. 

Rates equalization 
Rates equalization is a request for parity with the rates of one or more other licensees in the area.  A Change of Rates application must be sent to the Passenger Transportation Branch to propose “rates equalization” and establish parity with the rates of other licensees in an area.  Applicants must include a rationale for the equalization request, along with an indication of whether other licensees in the area support the request.  

Changes to common rates
If a common rate is in effect in an area, an individual licensee may make a change of rates application to establish its own rates.   In addition to normal requirements that apply to a “change of rates” application, applicants must provide a rationale and supporting documentation for charging rates that are higher or lower than the common rate.   

Effective date

July 15, 2009  

Purpose

To clarify when and how a licensee may distribute gift certificates, gift cards, coupons and vouchers for passenger transportation services.

Legislation

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, operators of taxis, limousines and other passenger directed vehicles must charge rates that the Board sets or approves.

Context

Various types of certificates, gift cards, coupons and vouchers are used by taxi and limousine companies as part of their business operations.  The Board does not normally review the certificates and vouchers that licensees are using.  

Terms

“Certificates” refers generally to gift certificates, gift cards, coupons, vouchers and other printed or electronic ways of giving advance payment credit for passenger transportation trips.

Policy

Certificates make business sense and are acceptable as long as they do not undermine or undercut Board approved rates.

Principles

1.     Taxi drivers must at all times charge passengers Board approved rates, either metered rates or other rates.
2.     Certificates must:
   1.  not result in universal discounts to the public of Board approved rates
   2.  have a stated dollar value
   3.  be handled like cash by companies and drivers; that is, in cases where a trip costs less than the certificate amount, the passenger gets change or credit for the unused part, and in cases where a trip costs more, the passenger pays the difference
3.     Certificates may only be:
   1.  donated by a taxi licensee to a registered non-profit or charity or to the organizer of a public, community event such as a tourism promotion or festival, but not a bar or entertainment establishment
   2.  given to an individual as a customer service response to a legitimate and specific customer complaint
   3.  Taxi Licensees may only sell certificates to people for the stated value of the certificate. For example, a licensee must sell a $10 certificate for $10 dollars. There must not be “discounts” for bulk purchases.

Effective date

December 9, 2009

Revised

December 8, 2010
March 6, 2013

(Rescinded on November 23, 2023. Please see the updated version in the Policy Manual.)