Vehicle for Hire

Starting July 1, 2024, Brantford will implement new regulations for taxicabs and other vehicles for hire under Chapter 327 – Vehicle for Hire:

Fare Setting

  • Taxicab Rates: Taxicab brokers will set their own rates. Existing City-set rates are in place until June 30, 2024. 
  • Taxi Meters: Meters will continue to calculate fares and must be visible from the back seat and illuminated during evening hours.

Licensing Updates

  • Taxicab Licences: The restriction on the number of taxicab owner licences will be lifted. This change allows for more licences to be issued, potentially increasing the number of available taxis.

Coordination with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)

  • Licensing: The City will work with TNCs to ensure compliance with new vehicle-for-hire requirements. Brokers will need to obtain licences and provide the City with information about drivers, vehicles, and trips.

The difference between a taxi and TNC

To better assist you in planning your next trip, this quick reference guide demonstrates the difference between a taxi and TNC under Chapter 327 – Vehicle for Hire:

Transportation Service Features

Feature offered by Taxis

Feature offered by TNCs

Hail rides (be flagged down on the street)

Yes

No

Request is processed by a dispatcher

Yes

No

Rider is connected to trip directly by an app

(description of vehicle and driver provided via the app)

No

Yes

Estimated cost of trip is known before ride is purchased

No

Yes

Rates set by Broker

Yes

Yes

Vehicle is to always meet the minimum safety standards of a safety standards certificate

Yes

Yes

Vehicles for hire licensed by the City

How to tell if a vehicle for hire is licensed by the City of Brantford:

  • Taxicab Drivers have a city-issued photo ID card that is to be always available to the rider
  • Taxicabs will have a city-issued licence plate affixed to the back of the vehicle
  • TNC Drivers will have a city-issued identifier in the vehicle to be made available to the rider while the driver is operating a vehicle for hire service
  • TNC Drivers will have their first name, photo and licence plate number shared upon booking a ride

For more information or to report a Vehicle for Hire (Taxi or TNC) complaint please contact: vehicleforhire@brantford.ca