Halifax looks for feedback on taxi licences

There could be some changes coming to the city's taxi industry. The city is looking for feedback on the future of how taxis and limos are licensed in Halifax.

The Transportation Standing Committee is considering different recommendations that would see taxi cars replaced by vans. If the recommendations are adopted, the city would begin to phase out conventional taxi licences.

The city has reached its cap of 1,000 conventional taxi licences, spread out over three different zones. There's a waiting list of more than 600 drivers that are eligible for a conventional license.

Taxi drivers also have the option to apply for an accessible taxi licence. There is no cap on these types of licences and they aren't restricted to a certain zone.

Dave Buffettsits on the city's taxi commission and saysthe plan doesn't go far enough.

"The city wants more accessible taxis but there is no requirement to put them in zones that means there's no requirement to put them in Bedford, Sackville, Dartmouth, Cole Harbour," said Buffett.

"If a person in those areas wants to go down the street there's virtually no chance of getting a cab."

The city will be hosting a public meeting about the licences next Tuesday evening at the Halifax Forum Multi-Purpose Centre.