Red Deer city council gave initial approval to new shuttle service rules that match those that are already in place for taxis and and other vehicles for hire.
The municipal bylaw was created in 2021 after consultation with other municipalities, the taxi industry, the transportation network, limo and sedan services, designated driver services and the public.
The goal was to balance regulations to create fairness and equity for all types of vehicles-for-hire in the city while ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and the public.
A gap related to shuttle service businesses was recently identified in the bylaw. After receiving several inquiries related to shuttle services, city administration recommended amendments to the bylaw that would align shuttle service operations with existing requirements for all other vehicles that can be hired.
Currently, the only requirement to operate a shuttle service is a business licence. “Citizens… have an expectation that businesses transporting people have been vetted under the bylaw criteria, including criminal record checks, driver abstracts and vehicle maintenance safety criteria,” said Erin Stuart, inspections and licensing manager for the City of Red Deer.
“The proposed bylaw amendments will ensure continued consistency for all vehicle-for-hire types, including shuttle services, and ensuring safety for customers and drivers,” she added.
Second and third reading of the proposed amendments are scheduled for the council meeting on Tuesday, May 25. For more information, please visit https://secure.reddeer.ca/cityservices/licences/vehicles-for-hire/.