N.L. unveiling moves to boost road, passenger safety in taxi industry

The province is set to roll out changes for the taxi industry, to improve road and passenger safety.

A CBC News investigation in 2016 found gaps in the oversight of drivers

Rob Antle and Ariana Kelland · CBC News ·
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is making regulatory changes to the taxi industry, with the goal of improving road and passenger safety. (CBC)

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is set to roll out changes for the taxi industry, to improve road and passenger safety.

A press conference is scheduled for later this morning at the motor vehicle registration building in Mount Pearl to unveil the new policies.

Industry representatives will also be in attendance.

Gaps in taxi oversight revealed

A year and a half ago, a CBC News investigation revealed gaps in oversight for the taxi industry in St. John's.

    Soon after, St. John's city council began lobbying the province to create a special class of taxi licence that would include background checks for drivers.

    But the province was cool to that idea in late 2016 and early 2017.

      While the conflict continued between the two levels of government, the industry began making moves to regulate itself, and burnish its image.

      Some taxi companies have been requiring drivers to provide a criminal background check and vulnerable sector check.

      The Newfoundland and Labrador Taxi Alliance recently received $52,000 from the province to go toward first aid, sensitivity and driver training.

        And this week, St. John's council approved a plan to partner with the industry to help keep an eye on the streets.

          About the Author

          Rob Antle and Ariana Kelland

          Rob Antle is the producer for CBC's investigative unit in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ariana Kelland is a reporter with CBC in St. John's.