Dispatcher Licensing

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A Vehicle for Hire Dispatch Licence is issued to a person that dispatches vehicles for hire.

Dispatchers are an integral part of the Vehicle for Hire program and help to ensure passenger and driver safety. Licences are required for vehicle-for-hire dispatchers to help ensure service quality.

Note: If you moved location as a licensed dispatcher, you will need to apply for a new licence.

See Licence Requirements and Process for more information.

Licence Requirements and Process

Zoning Requirements

Before applying for your dispatcher licence, ensure that the location where you want to operate your business is zoned for vehicle dispatching.

Zoning is a set of rules that limit activities and buildings at a certain location. Please visit the Zoning Approval for Your Business page for more information on zoning and how to find a location that is zoned for your proposed business activity.

City staff will advise you if you require additional permits, like a development permit, before or during the licensing process.

Document Requirements

General Requirements

Dispatcher Application Form

Specific Requirements

Taxi Dispatchers

Declaration stating that you will be dispatching taxis and will have at least one (1) accessible taxi available for dispatch at all times

Transportation Network Dispatchers

Province of Alberta Transportation Network Company (TNC) Certificate of Approval

General Dispatchers

Declaration stating which types of vehicles (limo, shuttles, and/or private transportation providers) you will dispatch

Licence Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Dispatcher Application Form .
Step 2: Send your documents to the Edmonton Service Centre:

Email to businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca, or

Mail or drop off at:
Edmonton Service Centre
2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0J4

Applications are generally processed within five (5) business days. All applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Applications and renewals will not be processed in person.

Step 3: Once your application has been processed, you will receive an invoice.
Step 4: Pay the licensing fee and email the service team to notify that the payment has been made.
Step 5: Your licence will be mailed to you.

Licence Renewal Process

Step 1: Dispatchers who need to renew their licences will be contacted by the City by email or mail, with an invoice, within 45 days or 6 weeks before the expiry date.

Step 2: Dispatchers need to reapply if their address or ownership of the company has changed.

Step 3: Pay the renewal fee and email the service team to notify that the payment has been made.

Step 4: Your licence will be issued and mailed to you.

Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

A dispatcher (except a transportation network company) must only dispatch a vehicle for hire if both the vehicle and driver have a valid licence from the City.
Understand drivers' limitations due to medical conditions and take these needs into account when dispatching
- For example, dispatchers must not dispatch a driver with a known pet allergy to a passenger with an animal request
Act as a mediator between passengers and drivers when conflicts or disagreements arise
Provide information about extra accommodations provided by passengers to the drivers before the ride

Taxi Dispatchers Responsibilities

Keep a record of every trip done by the operating vehicles (trip logging) and submit it to the City on a quarterly basis
Keep a record of every incident where a driver refuses service to a passenger, and provide it to the City within 24 hours
Ensure mechanical inspections are conducted regularly as outlined in the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw
Ensure that every vehicle has the following:
- An operating meter and top light
- Appropriate colour associated with the dispatch company
- The dispatcher’s name or company logo, telephone number, and vehicle unit number displayed on the exterior of the vehicle
- A valid meter accuracy certificate (must be immediately available to a passenger or bylaw enforcement officer upon request)

Transportation Network Dispatchers Responsibilities

Record of every trip done by the operating vehicles (trip logging) and submit it to the City on a quarterly basis
Keep a record of every incident where a driver refuses service to a passenger, and provide to the City within 24 hours
Keep a record of all information required from drivers that may be required:
- Provincial Class 1, 2, or 4 operator’s licence
- Police Information Check
- Provincial Class 1-55 registration certificate
- Proof of valid insurance policy

Contact Us

Vehicle for Hire Inquiries

Mailing Address

2nd floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5J 0J4

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Email	vehicleforhire@edmonton.ca

Licence Applications

Email	businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca