lyft uber regulations toronto

Uber and Lyft drivers must now take a city-approved training program to work in Toronto

Updated rules and regulations are now in place for "vehicle-for-hire" services like Uber and Lyft, as well as cabs and limousines. 

The changes went into effect on Wednesday under the City of Toronto's Vehicle-for-Hire bylaw and are intended to improve the safety and accessibility of taxicabs and ride share services.

The key changes to the bylaw cover everything from the creation of an Accessibility Fund Program, additional data requirements and mandatory training for all drivers to an increase in the years of driving experience required for those behind the steering wheel.

The current minimum years of required driving experience for all drivers has increased from one year to three years, and drivers must now complete a city-approved training program that will cover topics including safe driving, driving in an urban environment, anti-racism and sensitivity.

Current drivers have until the end of 2020 to complete the training, while new drivers must complete the training by June 2020.

Other changes require drivers to attach "Watch for Bike" notices to vehicles. Private Transportation Companies will need to attach these notices and send push notifications reminding passengers to look for cyclists before exiting a vehicle.

Drivers will also need to securely mount all handheld devices to their vehicles.

A new Accessibility Fund Program will help offset the higher cost of providing wheelchair-accessible service.

The program will be funded through a regulatory charge on members of the industry not providing wheelchair-accessible service. Funds will be allocated to wheelchair-accessible taxicab owners and drivers based on service standards and other eligibility criteria.

If drivers have a camera in their vehicle being used to record passengers, they will now need to display notices in their vehicles and have the option to use their app to inform passengers of camera usage before they complete their request for a ride.

Additional data on trip records and collision reporting will be required from vehicle-for-hire and private transportation companies, and will be used for audit and compliance. Taxicab brokerages and private transportation companies will need to submit data to the city dating back to January 1, 2020.

Lead photo by

Lyft.com


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Ontario's record-breaking $6.4B border bridge just crossed another big milestone

University of Toronto professor woke up confused at 1 a.m. to news he won Nobel Prize

Could Toronto-Montreal route be Canada's first high-speed rail line?

Anger after people shut down the 401 in Toronto to shoot fireworks and do burnouts

Someone made a map of Toronto and now the internet is trolling them

People compare Rogers Stadium's quick construction to never-ending Eglinton LRT

Canada just got a 5 kg silver coin with an equally hefty price tag

Ontario TV station mourns loss following newsroom emergency