THUNDER BAY – The city’s licensing and enforcement division is warning Thunder Bay residents to avoid unlicensed taxi and rideshare services, after recently launching an investigation into one such service it says illegally offered thousands of rides locally.
"Every one of those rides we know was uninsured," said Doug Vincent, the city's licensing and enforcement manager.
That company was ordered to cease operations after the city became aware of the situation on Monday, Vincent said. An investigation is ongoing.
The use of an unlicensed service carries risks for riders, said Vincent, including potentially not being covered by insurance in case of an accident, and lacking assurances that drivers have valid licenses and have passed a criminal records check.
Vincent said the city has other open investigations into local unlicensed ride-sharing groups that in many cases are smartphone app-based.
In a release, the city encouraged riders to make sure the driver and vehicle are both properly licensed before booking a ride.
There are two licensed taxi companies in Thunder Bay, Diamond-Lacey's and Roach's Yellow Taxi, and one licensed rideshare platform, Uride. along with several specialty licensed vehicle-for-hire services such as limos and senior assistive services.
All professional drivers and vehicles have a city-issued license on hand that can be shown upon request, the city said.
“Licensing and Enforcement is aware of people posing as legitimate taxi companies online, operating through social media channels and messaging services,” the statement warned. “One entity was ordered to cease operations by Licensing and Enforcement staff after it was discovered they had offered thousands of rides to customers over a period of several months.”
Licensed companies are required to have drivers who are properly insured, have their driving records examined, and undergo a criminal reference check, the city added, and their vehicles undergo safety checks and are properly insured.
Drivers caught operating a vehicle-for-hire business without the proper licensing can face a fine starting at $500, with a maximum penalty of $100,000. Continuing with business, when ordered to cease operations, can bring a penalty of $10,000 per day.
“Public safety in taxi and ridesharing operations is paramount,” said licensing and enforcement manager Doug Vincent. “We will prioritize stopping illegal ridesharing or taxi operations during the holiday season.”
Residents who wish to submit complaints over unlicensed taxis and rideshare services can contact municipal enforcement services at 807-577-6536 or submit a complaint online at www.thunderbay.ca/bylaw.
