TORONTO: As part of the 2021 budget approval process, Toronto City Council has voted to provide a temporary reduction in the renewal fees and regulatory charges for Taxicab and Limousine Vehicle-for-Hire licensing categories.
This initiative will assist up to 8,670 drivers in the city. In light of the financial pressures, residents and businesses are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has been working to find ways to reduce costs for Torontonians.
The taxicab and limousine industry has experienced significant service reductions this year, and the City is dedicated to helping support its recovery.
This $2.47 million support will enable the following:
• a 50 percent reduction of the renewal fees, until further City Council direction, with a credit provided for any renewal fees due and paid following January 1, 2021 for the taxicab industry;
• a temporary reduction in the regulatory charges for the Vehicle-for-Hire Accessibility Fund Program by 75 percent for 2021;
• a reinstatement of any expired and canceled taxicab licenses from 2020 for the non-payment of renewal fees and extension of the deadline for payment until December 31, 2021; and
• a suspension of the cancellation of vehicle-for-hire licences for non-payment of renewal fees in 2021, with a report back on a payment-deferral application process.
For more information on taxi licencing, visit: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/taxis/.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the impact of their property tax investment by viewing the reports and presentations available at http://www.toronto.ca/budget.
Mayor John Tory said: “We are doing everything we can as a City government to help residents and businesses get through these tough times. I want to thank councilors for working together to provide some relief for taxi drivers – we know the taxicab industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. This is a much-needed relief for the industry and I’m glad the City can offer some support at this time.”
Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood), Chair of the General Government and Licensing Committee, said: “Many Toronto businesses, including the taxicab industry, have experienced substantial financial distress over the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction in fees and charges will help support the industry’s recovery.”