B.C. introduces taxi passenger's bill of rights

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | 12:13 PM PT

CBC News

The B.C. government is hoping to improve taxi service with a new taxi passenger's bill of rights, announced in Vancouver on Wednesday morning.

Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon said taxis in the Metro Vancouver area will now be required to display the bill of rights on a decal posted on the rear passenger window of their cabs.

One of the key elements of the bill is the right of passengers to be picked up and transported to their destination.

Falcon developed the bill after CBC News reported that many taxi drivers in downtown Vancouver were refusing to take customers out to the suburbs after the bars closed, leaving many patrons stranded for hours downtown.

Under the new trip refusal regulations, taxi drivers will face a $288 fine for refusing to take a fare.

The minister's office said the bill was developed after consultations with taxi associations, companies and drivers, as well as taxi-user groups, local governments and enforcement officials.

It was not clear if the province will be passing new legislation for the bill of rights, or if it will rewrite current industry regulations. It will only apply to Metro Vancouver taxis, according to the minister's office.

"The taxi industry as a whole is pleased with the steps the government has taken in implementing the taxi bill of rights," said Tony Bhullar of the Vancouver Taxi Association in a written statement issued on Wednesday morning.

"We are especially appreciative of the fact that it identifies the rights of both passengers and drivers. In our opinion, it is fair and equitable, and as a result we will see better taxi service in Metro Vancouver."

"The B.C. Taxi Association fully supports the taxi bill of rights, which protects not only the rights of the passengers, but also addresses the safety of the taxi drivers on duty," said Mohan Kang of the association.

Under the taxi bill of rights, passengers have the right to:

• Be picked up and transported to their stated destination by any
  available on-duty taxi driver.
• Pay the posted rate by cash, or accepted credit card or taxi-saver
  voucher.
• A courteous driver who provides assistance, if requested.
• Travel with an assistance dog or portable mobility aid.
• A taxi that is clean, smoke-free and in good repair.
• Direct the route, or expect the most economical route.
• A quiet atmosphere, upon request.
• A detailed receipt, when requested.

Taxi drivers must obey all laws and have the right to refuse to transport a passenger:

• To avoid contravening a law or condition of licence.
• To protect the driver's, or any passenger's, health or safety.
• If the passenger is acting in an offensive manner.
• If the passenger refuses to provide a deposit, if requested.