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Halifax Regional Council reviews Halifax vehicle for hire changes that could reshape local transportation. The staff report introduces two major proposals and fuels a growing debate between taxi companies and ride-hail services.
Taxi firms push for flexible fare options
The report recommends allowing taxi and limousine companies to set their own fares. Casino Taxi and other operators welcome this shift because they face rising insurance fees and unstable fuel prices.
Casino Taxi president Brian Herman says flexible pricing helps companies respond to costs and stay competitive in a fast-changing market. He notes that fuel prices swing often and place continuous pressure on drivers.
Taxi operators argue that fixed fares limit their ability to operate sustainably. They also believe flexible pricing allows them to match the speed of market changes and offer better service. As a result, support for the proposal continues to grow among local firms “Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.”
HRM weighs stricter licensing for ride-hail drivers
The second proposal draws even stronger debate. Staff recommend a unified licensing system that requires ride-hail drivers—including those working for Uber—to obtain municipal licenses like taxi drivers.
Today, Uber screens its own drivers through background checks, vulnerable sector checks, child abuse registry checks, and driver abstracts. However, HRM officials say they lack access to the supporting documents behind those checks.
Licensing manager Peter Nightingale explains that the city receives the driver list but cannot verify the underlying information. Because of this gap, staff argue a single licensing model creates a fair, transparent system for all drivers. “Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.”
Uber Canada warns about increased bureaucracy
Uber Canada spokesperson Jonatha Hamel challenges the recommendation. He says Uber drivers already follow strict screening procedures. He argues the new system adds heavy red tape and forces thousands of drivers to pay for a process that offers no proven safety benefits.
Hamel also says HRM can audit Uber at any time and request information about a driver’s license or account status.
Council prepares for a final decision
The Transportation Committee voted in favor of both proposals. The recommendations now move to Halifax Regional Council, where members will decide their future at a later date.
