THE POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN REFORMING THE TAXICAB INDUSTRY

1. THE POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN REFORMING THE TAXICAB INDUSTRY Presentation to IATR September 20, 2007 Councillor Diane Deans Chair, Community and Protective Services Committee City of Ottawa

2. BACKGROUND • Councillor: Former City of Ottawa (1994-2001) • Councillor:New amalgamated City of Ottawa 2001 –present • Chair of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee 2001-2006 • Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, 2006 - present

3. COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE • Responsible for making policy & legislative decisions that rise to Council • 11 City Branches (6300 employees) report to CPS Committee

4. By-law and Regulatory Services (includes taxis) Fire Paramedics Emergency Management Public Health Libraries Parks and Recreation Housing Employment & Financial Assistance Long Term Care Cultural Service & Community Funding COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE

5. PRIOR TO AMALGAMATION • 11 Municipalities • 6 municipalities regulated the taxi industry • Despite being part of the same union, Taxi Industry could only work in the geographic area they were licensed resulting in 6 service zones • Taxi Plate values ranged from $8k (small suburbs) to $100k (Former Ottawa and Airport)

6. PRIOR TO AMALGAMATION • Industry rules virtually remained unchanged for 30 years • Taxi Industry was very effective at lobbying municipal councils • Despite significant growth in population, no new taxi plates were issued since early 1970s • No accessible taxicab service • Average age of taxicab was 15 years

7. NEW CITY OF OTTAWA FORMED IN 2001 • Consolidated 11 municipalities • 4th biggest City in Canada, Nation’s Capital • One of the largest Canadian Cities in terms of land mass • Can fit Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver within the geographic boundaries of Ottawa

8. 2001 Taxi Reforms Begin • Provincial legislation forced Council to review and pass new taxi by-laws. • Sunset clause required licensing by-laws to expire every five years. • 6 taxi by-laws had to become one. • 6 service zones had to become one.

9. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Several reforms approved by Council. • Council would deal with 1-2 major taxi reports each year. • Important to phase in new regulations. • Industry very resistant to change.

10. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Vehicles • Minimum size specifications • 6 year age limit • Better external identification • GPS 2008 • Cameras 2008 • Passenger and Taxi Bill of Rights Posted • Wireless debit/credit card service • Rear Sensors for vans

11. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Drivers • Training enhanced • All new drivers take standard and accessible training course, 4 weeks • Refresher training for existing drivers

12. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Drivers • Criminal reference checks • Uniforms/Fall 2007 • White shirt with collar • Dark/Khaki Pants/Shorts • Dress shoes • Id Badge with picture and company logo

13. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Accessible Taxicab Service • Successfully lobbied Province to change standards • London Cab • Rear Entry Cab

14. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • Accessible Taxicab Service • 0 accessible cabs in 2000 • 1 accessible cab in 2001 • 25 accessible cabs in 2004 • 65 accessible cabs in April,2007 • 105 accessible cabs by November 2007 • 145 accessible cabs in 2008 • 185 accessible cabs in 2009 • 2010 , 1 accessible taxicab plate for every 750 persons (service to grow with population) • Council to consider requiring all cabs to be accessible through a seven year phase in period in 2010

15. TAXI REFORMS 2001-2007 & BEYOND • New Initiatives to Support the industry • Proactive Bandit Cab Communications & Enforcement Campaign • Stars of the City

16. Legislative Role Taxi Industry is very complex Taxi Industry is a Strong and Vocal Lobby Group Politicians are reluctant to confront taxi issues Politicians need to champion the cause in order to effect positive change Politicians need to understand and promote the concept that the taxicab industry is an integral part of a City’s public transportation system TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS

17. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Working with the Regulators • Meet regularly with the regulators to become educated on the issues. • Build trust in your staff. • Identify your options for regulations, go with a plan A and have a plan B available as well. • Visit other cities that have dealt with the same issues

18. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Working with council • Ensure regulators understand what is politically feasible • Educate your fellow politicians/ try and build consensus • Be prepared, no surprises • Avoid making up policy on the floor of council

19. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Working with the Taxicab Industry • Listen to the industry • Meet regularly • Once change is implemented, do not revisit • “Don’t Break the Seal”

20. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Working with the Taxicab Industry • Convince industry that regulations are good for business • Work with them to see the big picture

21. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Working with the Taxicab Industry • Keep them informed and involved in changes • Provide Incentives • Be Firm, Fair and Flexible • Compromise when necessary

22. TAXI REFORM SUCCESSCONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Networking • IATR • Market your value to both the regulators and the politicians. • Informed and knowledgeable politicians make good decisions.

23. THANK YOU