Report on Zero-emissions vehicles for Taxi, rideshare headed to Economic Development Committee

One-year extension for 2024 expirees suggested

Toronto’s Economic Development Committee will consider permitting vehicles-for-hire that require replaced by March 31, 2024 to operate for one additional year. The extra year is “to allow vehicle owners time to determine if they wish to purchase a Zero-Emission Vehicle or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle as a replacement vehicle.”

The report also suggests extending temporary exemptions to Stretch Limousines and Accessible Taxis as part of the report on Zero Emissions for the Vehicle for Hire (VFH) industry.

The staff report proposes allowing plug-in Hybrids to operate as VFH until December 31, 2032.

“Transitioning the Vehicle-for-Hire Industry to Net Zero Emissions by 2030” recommends a $10 million, five-year grant program which would be applied against fees owed to MLS for VHF operators who register Zero-Emissions Vehicles.

According to the report, the Zero-Emissions “grants” which would be applied against fees owing by Taxi owners would instead be “disbursed periodically” to Private Transportation Companies (PTCs) “for remittance to the PTC drivers who delivered such trips.” PTC companies would be required to submit a plan to MLS describing how it will remit the Zero Emissions Grant to PTC drivers in a format prescribed or approved by the Executive Director.

The development of the vehicle charging network required to charge VFH is outlined in the document, which would authorize one temporary full-time staff position for up to three years to “consider the advanced needs of the VFH industry in planning for Electric Vehicle charging.”

If adopted by the Economic Development Committee, the report will go to Toronto Council on October 11, 2023.