City staff released a report on Toronto's taxicab industry, highlighting issues for customers and the industry.
There are about 40 proposals in the final report released on Thursday. It comes as a result of consultations with industry, staff and stakeholders.
The report recommends giving drivers the ability to charge passengers a $25 fee if someone vomits or soils their taxicab, although many responses in the consultation indicated the charge should be at least $50.
Some of the major issues identified in the report are safety concerns and working conditions for taxicab drivers, lack of accessible taxicab services in the city and safe driving practices by employees.
The report recommends that all new tax licences issued by Toronto will require that the vehicle be wheelchair accessible as of July 1. Only 3.5 per cent of all Toronto taxicabs are wheelchair accessible, meaning they aren't available for on-demand service for those who rely on accessible transit.
It suggests that 6 per cent of taxicabs should be wheelchair accessible by 2015, in time for the Pan American Games.
The report also wants taxi companies to enhance customer service with new technology. A passenger monitor that would include information about the fare, the taxicab number, driver's picture and the location of the vehicle is recommended in all vehicles. It will also become mandatory for all taxicabs to have debit/credit terminals.
The report will be reviewed by the city's Licensing and Standards Committee before being debated by city council on Feb. 19.
