North Bay, Ontario – The long process of creating a new taxi bylaw incorporating both the ride share and the taxi companies is in the final stages of approval.

North Bay Police Chief Scott Tod says the topic was again a key part of the recent December Police Board meeting that took place last Tuesday.

“At the closed meeting we presented the final draft, the very final draft with all the recent amendments that have been made and suggestions from around the community, the taxi industry and other providers,” noted Tod to the media.

“We have made some amendments to it. I am just waiting for some additional response in regards to the bylaw approved by the board.”

Tod noted that prior to a taxi bylaw town hall meeting, the Police Service had provided a two-week period where people could write or deliver presentations to the Board.

“Those were all looked at in regards to the Town Hall Meeting and subsequent to it we received written submissions and they have all been provided opportunity to make input into the new draft,” said Tod last month.

The eight proposed changes for the taxi industry include a 10 per cent reduction in fees, eliminated cab size restrictions, removal of restrictions around using an app-based platform, and waiving licensing fees for accessible vehicles.

For ride share companies there will be licensing requirements relating to a driver’s experience, significant annual fees to operate, record-keeping, and inspections. II’s also solely an app-based platform, waiving licensing fees for accessible vehicles and criminal record checks for all drivers.

Tod is optimistic new bylaw final approval will come early in 2021.

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