Net Zero report for VFH to Committee July 6th
Updated May 25th with estimated date of Net Zero VFH staff report
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The staff report outlining Toronto’s vehicle-for-hire industry transition to net-zero emissions by 2030 is now expected at the July 6th meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC), according to an email received by Taxi News.
Toronto’s Media Office told Taxi News the Net Zero VFH Review Team report is expected to be available at the same time the ECDC meeting Agenda is released, usually five days before the meeting.
Toronto’s Net Zero Action Strategy 2022 report is available here.
The “TransformTO Net Zero Strategy” identifies actions and targets to be achieved by 2030 in key sectors. The 2030 goals for transportation are that 30 per cent of registered vehicles in Toronto are electric; and 75 per cent of school/work trips under 5km are walked, biked or by transit.
City staff are proposing the following in the draft regulatory approach:
- All vehicles used as vehicles-for-hire would be required to be zero emissions as of 2030. Wheelchair accessible vehicles would be exempt from this requirement.
- The age limit for zero emissions vehicles, used as vehicles-for-hire, would be waived, as long as vehicles pass an annual safety inspection.
- Hybrid vehicles would be permitted to be used as vehicles-for-hire until 2032. The seven-year vehicle age limit requirement would still apply.
- The City would consider the needs of the vehicle-for-hire industry when planning and deploying public electric vehicle charging in Toronto.
- The licensing fees for zero emission vehicles-for-hire would be reduced over the next several years, leading up to 2030.
- The City would provide additional education resources on zero emission vehicles for the vehicle-for-hire industry.
- Private transportation companies with over 500 vehicles would be required to offer a pooled-ride option on their platform. Exceptions would be provided for public health emergencies.
