City of Toronto issues first ever Private Transportation Company licence to Uber

The City of Toronto announced that it has issued a Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence to Uber, making it the first of its kind in Canada.

City staff have been working on implementing the new Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw, and it recently came into effect on July 15. According to a statement by the City, “The work included significant technology enhancements, system programming, and organizational and business process changes.”

#CityofTO issues Private Transportation Company licence to @Uber__Canada, https://t.co/6OuNHZH1vy pic.twitter.com/EVG0CrFYQq

— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) August 16, 2016

The latest news means that the City will begin to screen and issue PTC driver licences to UberX drivers. The Screening includes criminal background and driver abstract checks, vehicle inspection certificates, and insurance.

In addition to allowing private transportation companies to operate, the Bylaw, which basically formalizes Uber’s operations, includes changes which have been implemented for the taxi industry. The Changes include:
• flexible ownership for taxicab owners, including permission to incorporate and own more than one taxicab
• the taxicab industry can set fares for trips booked in advance, and
• decreased annual licensing fees.

More information will soon be available on the City’s website.