Province reduces annual licence renewal fees for taxi industry

Province reduces annual licence renewal fees for taxi industry
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The BC Government has announced that it will be reducing fees for taxi and limousine operators to keep their vehicles on the road in an effort to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BC Government has announced that it will be reducing fees for taxi and limousine operators to keep their vehicles on the road in an effort to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual licence renewal fee for commercial operators is being reduced to $50 per vehicle with a licence fee cap of $5,000.

Typically, operators have paid $100 per vehicle with no overall renewal fee cap.

“We’ve heard from operators and drivers about the impact of COVID-19 on British Columbians who make their living in the taxi industry,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Lowering the annual licence fee is just one of the ways our government can step in and help this industry as we continue to reopen and recover together.”

Other measures being taken to assist operators who have been hard-hit by COVID-19 include:

  • Waiving plate fees for all operators during COVID-19
  • Allowing eligible licensees to defer their passenger transportation renewal fee for up to six months
  • Allowing insurance payments to be temporarily suspended for fleet and non-fleet customers

“There have been significant impacts on our industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there have been for so many,” said Carolyn Bauer, spokesperson for the Vancouver Taxi Association. “We have been working closely with the Province, and are pleased with this change that I believe will support our industry during this challenging time.”

The Passenger Transportation Branch has issued best practices for the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry amid COVID-19 with the help of WorkSafeBC and more safety information can be found on the government’s website.

 

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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