Make Sure Bandits Don’t Steal Your Holiday Cheer

Taxi Licence Plate

December 16, 2010

City warning residents to avoid illegal “bandit” taxis over the holidays

Taxis are a great way to get to and from holiday parties, but check your cab before entering to make sure you won’t ride with a bandit!

Bandit taxis are illegal, unlicensed taxis that appear during busy times. They are often uninsured, unsafe, and the drivers have not been screened by the City.

“At this time of year, we see people putting a taxi sign on their car and offering rides for money, even though they don’t have any of the proper training or insurance,” says Phil Fearon, the City’s Chief Livery Officer. “It can be quite dangerous because no one knows who these people are or how safe their vehicles are, so you are really putting yourself at risk by using an illegal cab.”

Legitimate, licensed taxis in Edmonton are easy to recognize because they have:

  • A front licence plate that says “Edmonton Taxi,” followed by a four digit number starting with “A-.”
  • A City of Edmonton driver’s licence – complete with a photo of the driver –visible inside the vehicle.
  • A fare meter visible inside the car, which the driver activates after you get inside.
  • A company name and phone number on the door and a roof light on top.

If any of these features are not visible, residents should not get inside the vehicle and are encouraged to look for a licensed, legitimate taxi.

Licensed taxis are subject to significant scrutiny by the City, making them considerably safer than unlicensed ones. As part of the licensing process, taxi drivers must submit a driver abstract and police information check annually. Drivers must also prove that they have taken professional driving classes and are working for a legitimate taxi company.

Legitimate taxis are also subjected to regular mechanical inspections, regular fare meter inspections, and they must be properly insured.

For more information on the Vehicle for Hire Commission or bandit taxis, visit www.edmonton.ca/vehicleforhire.

 

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