North Bay Police Chief Scott Tod says industry representatives will soon get a look at the long-awaited vehicle-for-hire by-law.
“The industry is patiently awaiting the release of the by-law,” says Tod, “and we hope to make the document public in the next couple of weeks.”
The owners of the taxi companies initially spoke out about the lack of licencing surrounding rideshare in the city and the debate continued through the spring of 2019 and into last fall. Ridesharing company Uride commenced operations last spring and Union Taxi folded its business in January.
See: Strang: Changing taxi industry rules on the fly is unfair
And: Rideshare debate heats up
Tod says, “We’d like to give the industry time to digest it, consult with their experts and report back to us. Then we’ll look at the comments they provide to us, and the public comments.”
Tod expects at least two more town hall meetings to be held, adding they will be staggered to allow stakeholders who work different shifts to participate.
See related story: North Bay taxi bylaw closer to including rideshare
Final steps include presenting the draft by-law, with changes and comments made at the town hall meetings, to the police board for approval.
From there, Tod says an internal police review will take place, examining existing taxi licences and licencing the rideshare industry in North Bay.
