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New mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Vehicle for Hire

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Transporting Passengers

Vehicles for Hire in Edmonton transport passengers from one destination to another for a fee. These vehicles could include limousines, shuttles, taxis, rideshare companies, or other types of transportation services.

Regulations

The Vehicle for Hire Bylaw 17400 allows the City of Edmonton to regulate transportation services to ensure:

public safety and consumer protection
accessible vehicle-for-hire services
fair competition and open innovation

Vehicle for Hire

Dispatch and Vehicle Licence Fee Reductions

On October 5, 2020, City Council approved a 100% reduction in 2020 dispatch and vehicle licence fees for limousines and a 50% reduction in these fees for all other vehicles for hire.

The fee reductions will be applied when licensees renew their dispatch and vehicle licences or apply for a new licence. For licensees who have already paid their 2020 fees, a credit will be applied to their 2021 fees. The fee reductions are one way the City is helping to relieve concerns about financial strain raised by the industry due to COVID-19.

Vehicle For Hire Types

There are different types of vehicle for hire operating in Edmonton, and each type is regulated differently. The following summarizes the types of vehicle for hire and some of the general regulations that apply.

Taxis and Accessible Taxis

Taxis must have a toplight and a meter
Taxis can be hailed from the street
Accessible taxis prioritize requests from passengers who require mobility aids
Accessible taxis may be hailed from the street

Limousines

Limousines are luxury vehicles for hire
These include sedans, stretch limousines and SUVs
Limousines must be prearranged and must not be hailed from the street

Shuttles

Shuttles can only pick up and drop off passengers at fixed locations set by a predetermined route and schedule
Shuttles must be prearranged and may not be hailed from the street

Transportation Network Vehicles (TNVs)

TNVs look like vehicles that anyone can own and operate. These are regulated by the Province of Alberta and the City.
TNVs are required to display a company marking on the front and back of the vehicle.
TNVs do not have a toplight, meter, or use the words "taxi", "cab", or "taxicab" on vehicle advertising.
TNVs must be prearranged and can not be hailed from the street. They cannot use taxi stands.

Private Transportation Providers (PTPs)

PTP vehicles look like vehicles that anyone can own and operate. These are licensed only by the City.
PTP vehicles are not required to display a company marking on the front and back of the vehicle.
PTP vehicles do not have a toplight, meter, or use the words "taxi", "cab", or "taxicab" on vehicle markings.
PTP vehicles must be prearranged and can not be hailed from the street. They cannot use taxi stands.