City Council approved proposed changes to the vehicle for hire bylaw at their regular meeting today after postponing the discussion on April 29 with a request for more information from administration.
The current bylaw was implemented in 2021 following the introduction of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and rideshare companies in Red Deer.
Following a review of the bylaw and considering extensive public and stakeholder engagement along with previous council direction, administration recommended a new bylaw including the following revisions:
- replacement of age-based restrictions for vehicles with mechanical inspection restrictions
- removing drop rates for taxis
- simplification of licensing process
- reduction of Driver’s Abstract from a five-year to a three-year abstract
- addition of 15 taxi plates each year for each of the next three years, with the full removal of the plate cap in the fourth year. Plate draws will be publicly advertised.
“These changes are designed to support our city’s ability to provide reliable transportation options for residents and visitors,” said Amy Fengstad, Parking and Licensing Supervisor. “Our goal through this bylaw revision is to balance industry needs and customer priorities.”
Vehicle for Hire Bylaw 3706/2024 is available on The City’s website, RedDeer.ca/Bylaws.