No VFH emergency contacts consultations scheduled
Motion to consult with VFH industry passed April 23
As of June 17, industry consultation around Vehicle for Hire emergency contact information systems have not been scheduled by Toronto staff.
Licensing and Standards staff were directed to conduct the consultations on April 23, following the disturbing incident when an Uber operator drove away from a family’s home with a five-year-old girl still sleeping on the back bench. On April 23rd, Councillor Mike Colle introduced a motion to require VFH operators to provide emergency contact information to Toronto Police. The motion was adopted.
During the crisis of the missing little girl, Uber’s corporate office refused to provide either the Toronto Police Service or the child’s parents with the driver’s direct cell phone number, citing privacy policies. Police then dispatched 68 cars with a description of the Uber vehicle, which was located some time later. The child was terrified but unharmed.
Julia Viscomi, the mother of the little girl involved in the incident, told Taxi News on May 15th that she was “optimistic” the consultation will be scheduled soon and will be productive.
“I have not heard anything yet, but I am optimistic since Mike Colle has stepped in that we will see something soon,” Viscomi told Taxi News a month ago.
On May 30th, Executive Director of Licensing and Standards provided an exclusive interview to the Toronto Star in which he announced that he would be retiring in October, 2025. VHF industry members have expressed concern that discussions on updating Toronto’s emergency contact systems would be delayed until after Grant’s replacement is announced.
In response to Taxi News’ request for updated information on planning for the VFH industry consultations, media staff indicated by email that “There are no staff updates on this matter to share at this time.”
