Canadian Taxi Industry Launches National Campaign Against Unregulated Car-For-Hire Services

For The First Time Ever Taxicab Companies From Across Canada Join Forces To Speak With One National Voice

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - A national campaign designed to warn Canadians of the risks of using unregulated car-for-hire services was launched this weekend with the publication of an open letter from Canada's regulated taxicab industry.

The letter, entitled 'The Benefits of a Regulated Taxi Industry' published Saturday in Canada's national newspaper, The Globe & Mail, explains why, for the first time ever, Canada's taxicab companies have joined forces to become the unified voice of the nation's regulated taxi industry. 

"There is a lot of hype, opinion and misinformation about this trend, but the harsh truth is that Canadians using these services are taking a real risk by using unregulated, unlicensed car-for-hire services," said Carolyn Bauer, spokesperson for the Canadian Taxicab Companies group. "Before anyone uses an unregulated car-for-hire service, they need to be fully informed about the potential costs and liabilities. Our campaign aims to address this need."

Unregulated car-for-hire services use software to pair untrained, unlicensed and uninsured drivers with paying customers and to process payment for the taxi service. Such companies are setting up in major Canadian cities ignoring municipal laws, regulations and insurance requirements and are putting the safety and security of passengers, drivers and others in the community at risk.

The open letter explains how only a regulated taxi industry can provide the safe, secure service that Canadians can rely upon. 

Canada's regulated taxi industry is safe
Being responsible for the safety of passengers is the number one priority of the regulated taxi industry. It is regulated to ensure the safety of individuals, families and communities they serve. Vehicles meet all safety requirements; drivers are fully-trained and vetted. Their cars are equipped with state-of-the-art tracking systems and emergency features that protect passenger safety.

Regulated taxis are secure
Regulated taxis carry full commercial carrier insurance. This is available only to licensed taxi operators and it protects everyone in the unlikely event of an accident including the driver and passengers as well as cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists. Contingent insurance policies are not adequate protection for unregulated car-for-hire services. Taxicab operators use state-of-the-art secure payment systems to protect customers' identity and card information.  

Regulated taxi services provide value
The prices of a taxi ride are set by municipal governments to cover the costs of safety and security measures and, to ensure a fair wage for drivers. There are no 'surge charges' or other surprise costs; just the published metered fare. The taxicab industry in Canada, and in almost every other country in the world, is regulated to protect customers and people in the community.

The Canadian TaxiCab Companies group campaign includes the launch of a website which will serve as a central information hub to allow people to make informed choices when using taxi services.  The site also showcases many mobile dispatch applications available for download.

In addition to launching the campaign, the firms are working to standardize safety, training and security practices across the group. Also, they are working to develop technology platforms to better serve all markets.  

The Canadian Taxicab Companies group includes Montreal's Taxi Diamond, Ottawa's Coventry Connections, Toronto's Royal Taxi, Calgary's The Checker Group and Associated Cab Company, Edmonton's Taxi Service Group and the Vancouver Taxi Association. 

To learn more about Canada's regulated taxicab industry and important facts and information about safety, security and value concerns of unregulated car for hire services visit www.taxitruths.ca 

About the Canadian Taxicab Companies group: Nine independent taxicab operators from across Canada have come together as a unified national voice for the industry. The group includes companies based in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Together they are working to educate Canadians about the risks of unregulated car-for-hire services so they can make informed choices.

Group members include: Taxi Diamond, Coventry Connections, Royal Taxi, The Checker Group, The Associated Cab Company, Edmonton Taxi Service Group and Yellow Cab. 

SOURCE: Canada's Regulated Taxi Industry

Media enquiries: Sherrilynne Starkie, Thornley Fallis Communications, 613 231 3355 ext. 225, [email protected], @sherrilynne