Limousines and sightseeing vehicles operating in Saint John may soon have to meet new annual licensing requirements.
It’s part of a proposed vehicle-for-hire bylaw that would replace the current taxi bylaw and expand it to include sightseeing buses and limos.
The bylaw would require limos and sightseeing vehicles to be compliant with the Motor Vehicle Act and have liability insurance, and for drivers to have criminal and vulnerable sector checks.
Staff are now giving a presentation on the proposed new vehicle for hire bylaw. It will replace the current taxi bylaw and also introduce new bylaw requirements for local sightseeing vehicles (24 passengers or less) and limousines. #sjcouncil
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) July 9, 2018
It would also see the Saint John Transit Commission take over inspections and licensing responsibilities from police, which Councillor Greg Norton calls a “huge improvement” from before.
“It’s good to see things like this removed from the plate of the chief,” says Norton, “so that they can get back to core policing, that meat and potatoes.”
The taxi advisory committee would also be axed and replaced with an annual feedback period for industry to provide feedback on proposed rate changes and other concerns.
Mayor Don Darling says it’s important for people to know how much work goes into bylaws like these, pointing to the fact staff have spent 300 hours working on it in the last six months.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) July 9, 2018
Mayor Don Darling describes the proposed changes as an “evolution”.
“I think it’s important for tourists and others that are taking advantage of or hiring these types of services that they are also protected, that the Motor Vehicle Act elements are being looked after, that the vehicles are being inspected.”
The proposed bylaw passed first and second reading Monday night and must come back before council for third and final reading.
