10 Things To Remember When Using Taxis And Ride-Sharing Companies In Toronto This Summer
Know before you ride this summer!
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Summer has well and truly hit The Six, and like every year, it's brought with it the season's best concerts, festivals, free events, patios and, of course, late nights. The only downside? Trying to find your way home.
At a whopping 630 kilometres, getting from Point A to Point B in the city isn't always easy - especially after a big night out.
Whether you're heading to the beach, a music festival, or one of Toronto's newest bars, taxis and private transportation companies (PTC) such as Uber and Lyft provide alternative ways to getting around.
However, there are a few things you should know before you ride. Here are 10 top tips from the City of Toronto to stay safe this summer.
When using a PTC, check that the driver's photo actually matches the driver in the vehicle, and the licence plate on the app matches the licence plate on the vehicle.
Only taxis are permitted to pick-up passengers from the street via “street hail” and use designated taxi stands. All PTC rides must be booked through an app.
Taxis display their taxi plate on the rear of the vehicle, with the number posted on the side door, and have a roof light. PTCs must display an identifying sign in their rear window.
When you hail a taxi from the street, or are picked up at a taxi stand, the driver must activate the meter and charge the City-regulated rate.
Taxi drivers must provide service to the first person who requests it, no matter how small the fare.
Drivers cannot refuse service to any person with a disability. This includes a person accompanied by a service animal.
Taxi drivers must provide airport flat-rate maps upon request.
PTCs or taxis booked through a brokerage may charge you with a rate different than the City-regulated rate. You must agree to accept the price before starting your trip.
Be sure to check for cyclists when entering or exiting a cab or PTC vehicle.
Taxi and PTC drivers and vehicles must meet City standards for criminal background checks, driving history checks, and be equipped with snow tires or all-weather tires from December 1 to April 30.
Whether you're just going down the road or across the entire city, be sure to follow these 10 top tips this summer to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride!
Visit the City of Toronto's website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages for tips on passenger safety.