The City of Lethbridge has approved regulatory changes for the local taxi industry, November 15, 2023. (Photo: Bridge City Cabs)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge approves deregulation of taxi fares

Nov 15, 2023 | 6:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A couple of changes for the local taxi industry are now in effect.

At the regular meeting of Lethbridge City Council on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, members voted unanimously to approve Bylaw 6422, which makes two amendments to the business licensing bylaw for the taxi sector.

One sees the removal of regulated fares and charges for the operation of taxis, while the other ensures that taxi vehicles no longer need to have a top light.

Members of the taxi industry spoke to council in September 2022, saying that changes were needed as their cost of operation had increased significantly in recent years, including fuel, insurance, wages, and maintenance. The initial request was to see increases to the regulated rates.

During the most recent council meeting, Councillor Belinda Crowson mentioned research that suggested, when it comes to allowing for the introduction of ride sharing services such as Uber, the deregulation of taxis lead to a decrease in health and safety conditions among the workforce.

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Senior Bylaw Enforcement Officer Dave Henley responded that the City of Lethbridge is not looking to bring in ride sharing services and that this bylaw is not about the complete deregulation of the industry.

Rather, Henley told the elected officials that “there was a request from council that we deregulate the rates and remove the top light, and keep all of the other safety aspects in.”

“With these changes, all of the regulations that were created to ensure that taxi drivers are licensed and have criminal record checks – those are all intact,” he added. “We’ve also maintained the requirement for every taxi cab company to submit their vehicles for a taxi inspection.”

There are currently 10 companies that operate taxis in Lethbridge.

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