News & Events

• The CEO of Toronto's Diamond Taxi, Mr. Jim Bell, visited the B.C. Taxi Association's office in Victoria on July 13th, 2010.  He met with Mohan Kang and discussed important taxi industry issues. 

• The B.C. Taxi Association's 12th AGM was held on May 1st, 2010 at the Lovely Sweet & Restaurant in Surrey, B.C. (11:30-14:30) The delegates discussed a number of important issues relating to the taxi industry and resolute.  11 directors were elected from all regions of the Province and Mohan Kang was re-elected president unanimously for the 12th term.

• The Harmonized tax will be implemented from July 1st, 2010.  The meter rate is going to increase 7% (July 1st, 2010). Now the taxi industry in B.C. would be collecting 12% Harmonized tax (GST 5% + PST 7%) for the government.  It is certain that this will impact the taxi industry negatively.

• The 2010 Olympics & Paralympics were a great success and suburban member taxi companies played a crucial part in its success by providing world class professional, safe, and courteous taxi service to our guests to take back home the wonderful taxi experience they had during the Olympics.  The Association congratulates and thanks all operators for their valuable contribution.

• As per information from the Justice Institute in New West Minster, approximately 1500 drivers completed the TaxiHost Pro course since Feb.2009.

• The taxi industry must keep in mind the option of Central Dispatch in the future to stay viable beside all the money the companies pay to buy business.  The only thing we should be doing is to provide service and for that service we should be getting paid and appreciated by the establishments which are taking advantage of our feelings of insecurity and non-cooperation with each other.

• The Passenger Transportation Board expects the Taxi Industry to operate under proven sound economic principles, yet issues licenses under general authorization or otherwise, without showing how the sound economic conditions will not be affected for the taxi industry. What are these procedures and yardsticks and why are we not informed of these to determine ourselves as a key stake holder in the provincial transportation industry.

• The association is lobbying hard at the federal level since 2006 to get the Canadian penal code changed, in order to protect our taxi drivers, by holding those individuals who use violence against taxi drivers accountable for their criminal actions.  If these amendments are made to the penal code, harsh punishments will be handed out to those who choose to use violence against taxi drivers.  This will serve as a serious deterrent.  Under the present system, taxi drivers are victimized "TWICE", firstly by the criminal, and then by the present legal system.

Comment:
The Chauffeur Permit-Lower Mainland

Taxi Permit Focus Group recommended that a driver that has more then 5 moving violations in 5 years would have his chauffeurs permit removed or denied even if the violations were obtained driving his/her private automobile.

This is unacceptable as only work related incidents should be used as a reason for denying a driver the right to drive a taxi and hold a valid chauffeurs permit.