The Municipality is looking at the possibility of allowing ridesharing companies and designated driver services to operate in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

They’re asking the community for their feedback on an updated Vehicle for Hire Bylaw that focuses on fares and fees, trust and safety, ridesharing, and more.

Chief Taxi Inspector, Sabrina Caterini says they’ve heard from the community that they want options in addition to taxis.

Many of the bylaw changes were based on previous engagements the municipality had with residents and stakeholders.

One of the changes includes adding fare deregulation which would set a maximum metered rate for taxis at $5.00 for the first 52 metres, and $0.15 for every .52 metres thereafter, allowing brokerages to determine rates as agreed upon with passengers prior to trips.

The other largely requested change would be to allow well-known ridesharing companies by introducing Transportation Network Companies (TNC).

A TNC is a company that allows passengers the use of a smartphone app to purchase their transportation online such as Uber.

The proposed bylaw will also work to protect the drivers as well.

A non-payment fine would be put into place that would penalize riders $500 for failing to pay their fare.

The Bylaw Services drafted proposed changes to the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw are available for review until
May 20.