No northern Taxi companies aware of Northlander “pilot engagements”
In a telephone survey conducted Thursday March 5th, Taxi News was unable to find a single Taxi company which was aware of the “Northlander Rideshare Pilot Engagements” being organized by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation.
19 Taxi companies listed along Ontario’s Northlander passenger rail route from Bracebridge and Washago to Timmins and Cochrane were contacted. None were aware of the “engagements” and several were outraged to find that Ontario was considering expanding “rideshare” while local Taxi companies were at work serving surrounding communities.
In two cases when Taxi News asked to speak with the “owner,” the call taker indicated “He’s out on the road, driving right now. I can have him call you back.”
One call taker, who initially hung up on the call, exclaimed “We already have three companies fighting each other for business, the last thing we need is more cars!”
The November 6th the Fall Economic Statement in the section titled “Building Transit,” noted:
“Ontario is working to engage with rideshare operators, the taxi sector, and municipalities to explore the standardization of rideshare guidelines across the province. Rules for rideshare programs, such as application fees and driver screening requirements, are currently managed by individual municipalities, resulting in differing standards across the province. By consulting on potential approaches for a provincial rideshare framework, the government continues to support an integrated and efficient transportation network that will improve access for everyone, including rural and remote communities such as those along the Northlander route.”
An email sent to select stakeholders on March 2nd provided information on the “engagement” including the fact that the deadline to RSVP is Friday, March 5th:
From: “Ontario Rideshare (MTO)” <rideshare@ontario.ca>
Subject: Northland Passenger Train Provincial Pilot Framework Consultations – Invitation to Participate
Date: March 2, 2026 at 13:35:55 EST
Reply-To: “Ontario Rideshare (MTO)” <rideshare@ontario.ca>
“Good Afternoon,
As announced in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement, the Ministry of Transportation, alongside the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ministry of Rural Affairs, is consulting with municipalities and key stakeholders to explore the provincial standardization of rideshare requirements, starting with establishing a proposed rideshare pilot framework along the Northlander Passenger Train corridor.
The growth of digital technology, including app-based ridesharing services to connect drivers and travellers, has influenced transportation user expectations and choice, as well as how municipalities and industry stakeholders deliver transportation options across the province.
To help support an integrated and efficient transportation network, and to help support the successful return of the Northlander Passenger Train, we invite you to share your perspectives on a proposed rideshare oversight pilot at the following upcoming virtual engagement sessions:
1. Session 1 on March 11 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR March 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In our first virtual engagement session, we will be focused on defining the scope and objectives of the rideshare pilot, as well as gathering detailed input to inform the requirements of the pilot.
2. Session 2 on March 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR March 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In our second virtual engagement session we will be looking to revisit the discussion had during the first session, with a greater focus on delivery and implementation of the pilot.
If you are unable to attend either of these sessions, or would like to provide additional feedback, your organization will have an opportunity to provide written submissions through the Ontario Regulatory Registry.
Please fill out this Northlander Rideshare Pilot Engagements – RSVP Form to confirm your organization’s attendance at both Session 1 and Session 2, including your preferred timing for each session. If you have any questions, please contact rideshare@ontario.ca. We kindly request that you complete the form by Friday, March 6th and a meeting invitation hold for both Session 1 and Session 2 will follow.
We look forward to your participation and input in shaping the future of rideshare oversight in Ontario.
Sincerely,
Katie De Palma
Director, Transportation Policy Branch”
