Passenger safety must be highest priority in new vehicle for hire by-laws

TORONTO, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Toronto Taxi Alliance (TTA) is proud to be part of an industry-wide working group which has confirmed that passenger safety must remain paramount in the city's new by-laws for vehicles for hire.

"The working group has met three times since the report was released April 7^th, and there is absolutely no question that all segments of the taxi industry are in agreement: Toronto must not water down its safety standards. It is a mistake for this report to suggest weakened by-laws, and we strongly recommend Council reject these new, weaker standards," says Rita Smith, Executive Director of the TTA.

Demonstrating competence in the English language the first essential step in ensuring a safe industry, Smith points out: "Imagine someone in the middle of a medical emergency or unsafe situation getting in a cab with a driver who does not speak English. This cannot be allowed to happen in Toronto."

Point #2 of the taxi industry's "Top Ten" recommendations to amend the report is focused solely on safety:

"As noted in the MLS 2014 report, several safety measures are important to the City and need to be maintained. All safety measures weakened or removed in the 2016 report should be maintained in any new by-law:

	a.	Training: could be less than 17 days, but there must be some.
	b.	Snow tires: must be required.
	c.	Security cameras and emergency lights: must be required in 100% of vehicles for hire.
	d.	Visible signage: all Vehicles for Hire must be clearly plated in a consistent way so that potential passengers and law enforcement can identify them.
	e.	Vehicle inspections, twice per year, must be conducted at City inspections centres.
	f.	All drivers must have background and Vulnerable Person Checks which will be conducted by Toronto Police Services and submitted directly to the City."

For the full "Top Ten" recommendations and the list of organizations which make up the working group, visit the TTA website here.

SOURCE Toronto Taxi Alliance

contact Rita Smith at 647 242 5505 or [email protected]