Taxi By-law

In July, 2013, Greater Sudbury Council directed municipal staff to bring forward a report detailing the implications of eliminating a zoning system that was enforced under a 10-year-old taxi by-law. A two zone system designated the City of Sudbury as Zone 1 and surrounding communities as Zone 2.

Under the previous by-law, taxis were allowed to transport passengers back to their designated zone from any pickup point; however, taxis were not allowed to transport passengers within a non-designated zone. For example, taxis with a Zone 2 designation were allowed to pick up passengers in Zone 1 for transport to a destination in Zone 2 but they were not allowed to pick up and transport passengers to a destination within Zone 1.

Under the By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation, all vehicles licensed as taxis have the option of servicing the entire City of Greater Sudbury without boundary restrictions. The exception is the Greater Sudbury Airport and other private properties which may be served under contract by one taxi company.

Fares and rates charged by taxi companies under license to the City of Greater Sudbury.

Who may I call for taxi service?

Residents may call the taxi company of their choice for transportation anywhere within the City of Greater Sudbury. Some taxi companies will retain their central dispatch in surrounding communities as noted.

  • Aaron Taxi Service, 705-523-3333 (accessible cabs available)
  • A1 City Taxi, 705-222-4444
  • Dan’s Taxi, 705-525-8294
  • Garson-Nickel Centre Taxi, 705-693-0038 (Garson)
  • Lockerby Taxi, 705-522-2222 (accessible cabs available)
  • MJ Taxi, 705-561-2184 (Garson)
  • Nite Lite Limousine, 705-560-5466
  • Paul’s Taxi, 705-691-5387
  • Sookram Bus Lines, 705-983-4347

Why are taxis charging for interior cleaning?

The By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation gives taxi owners the option of charging passengers an interior cleaning fee, as per rates card, in the event that a passenger has soiled the interior of the vehicle. The amendment has been made to assist taxi owners who were previously obligated to fully fund the cost of interior cleaning following incidents related to passenger pick up from local bars.

Do taxi drivers have the right to refuse passengers?

Under the By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation, drivers have the right to refuse a passenger who:

  • is or appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is disorderly,
  • is indebted to the driver, the taxi broker, or the owner of the vehicle,
  • is apparently unable to pay for the service requested, and in the case of a passenger requesting taxi service between midnight and 6 a.m., refuses or is unable to pay in advance the estimated fare when requested to do so by the taxi driver,
  • requests that the driver carry an animal or baggage which might be detrimental to the repair, cleanliness or sanitary condition of the vehicle, with the exception of service animals for persons with disabilities, and
  • requests that the driver carry more baggage than the vehicle is capable or other objects of a type or size which are not suited to the vehicle.

What are the requirements for licensing taxi and limousine drivers?

The By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation replaces a requirement for a criminal reference check with a more extensive vulnerable sector check for improved security of young and elderly passengers. Drivers must also provide evidence of a valid and applicable Ontario driver’s license, a Ministry of Transportation Drivers’ Abstract, and a letter of intent to employ from their employer. Drivers of accessible taxis must complete additional training.

Does the by-law impact vehicle condition and insurance requirements?

The By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation limits the number of years that a vehicle can be kept on the road to 10 years. The 10 year vehicle life matches the previous requirement under the expired by-law for Zone 2 (surrounding communities) taxis and encourages increased investment in greener energy vehicles by taxi owners.

Insurance requirements have risen to $2 million for all taxi owners, matching best practices in municipalities across Ontario.

What are the requirements for accessible taxi service in the City of Greater Sudbury?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out various legislative responsibilities for municipalities to ensure that taxi vehicles are accessible to all citizens. Local taxis providing accessible service currently meet these requirements.

Fares charged to persons with disabilities are the same as for other customers and no fee is charged for storing mobility aids or mobility assistance devices.

The By-law for the Licensing, Regulating and Governing of Taxi, Limousine and Shuttle Transportation requires every accessible taxi owner to ensure that accessible vehicles are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that persons with disabilities have first priority for use of these vehicles.

The City of Greater Sudbury does not charge a fee for issuance or renewal of an accessible taxi owner’s or accessible taxi driver’s license to encourage conversion to accessible vehicles.

How can I get more information?

For more information, please dial 3-1-1 and ask for Greater Sudbury Compliance and Enforcement Services.