Taxi, limousine, shuttle, and other passenger directed vehicle (PDV) operators applying to make changes to their rates must show the Passenger Transportation Board (Board) that the proposed rates are both just and uniform.

When making a decision, the Board may also consider the following factors or questions:

1. Are rates and rules clear and complete so total fares are reasonably predictable and understandable for paying passengers?
2. Are the rates simple to measure?
3. Are the rates within industry norms for similar services in the area or in a comparable area?
4. Are rates and rules for non-taxi services distinct from rates and rules of taxis in the area?

Types of rates and forms

Metered rates

In British Columbia most taxi rates are calculated on a meter that may be calibrated and tested. Taxi meter rates are based on the flag drop rate, the distance rate, and the time rate. The flag rate is the rate at the start of the trip – it appears when the meter is turned on. The distance rate is a per kilometer rate. The time rate is estimated in seconds or minutes. If a taxi speed falls below a “crossover” rate, then the meter applies the time rate rather than the distance rate.  

Taxi applicants and operators wishing to charge or change their metered rate must include PT Board Form 10 - Metered Taxi Rate(475 KB) alongside their application package.

Hourly rates

Hourly rates, also referred to as "charter rates", calculate the charged rate based on the amount of time the vehicle is booked for or travelling, rather than distance. 

Limousine applicants and operators wishing to charge or change hourly rates must include PT Board Form 11 - Hourly Rates(548 KB) alongside their application package.

Point-to-point rates

Point-to-point, also referred to at times as "zone rates" under certain circumstances, include all rates that cover transportation of a passenger from a fixed starting location to a predetermined end destination, set out in the rate. In some cases this can be as broad as one city to another, or may break up areas into zones in which travel from one zone to anywhere in another zone is covered by a specific fare regardless of distance and number of passengers. 

Taxi and limousine applicants and operators wishing to charge or change their point-to-point rates must include PT Board Form 12 - Point-to-Point Rates(456 KB) alongside their application package.

Individual fares

Individual fares are similar in principle to point-to-point fares, as they require set starting and end locations, but differ based on the number of passengers in the vehicle. 

Taxi and limousine applicants and operators wishing to charge or change their individual fares must include PT Board Form 13 - Individual Fares(454 KB) alongside their application package.

Taxi rates in BC

Taxi operators must only charge their rates as approved by the board. Taxi operators may charge metered rates, point-to-point rates, individual rates or a combination thereof. Additionally, taxi operators in certain cities and regions may fall under uniform or common rate rules. 

Common rates rules

Throughout multiple regions and cities in B.C., taxi companies have common rates that set out the rates all taxi companies under the rates rule must charge (e.g. Metro Vancouver, Prince George, etc.). Within most areas with common rates, the Board requires 51% of licensees to submit rate change applications before it will consider changes to a common rate. In the Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley regional districts, licensees that, in total are authorized to operate at least 51% of the taxis in the common rate area, must submit rate change applications before the Board will consider changes to the common rates.  

Limousine, shuttle and other passenger-directed vehicle (PDV) rates in B.C.

Limousine, shuttle, and other PDV operators must charge rates that are approved by the Board. Limousine operators may charge hourly rates, individual fares, point-to-point rates or fall under the Board's Rates Rule - Limousine Rates Rule and Rates Rule - Other PDV Rates Rule. 

Rates rule - Limousine Rates Rule

The Board sets rates rules for limousines that may be charged by limousine, shuttle, and other PDV operators. Operators approved to use the Board's minimum-maximum rates may change their rates within the established minimums and maximums without approval from the Board. 

Crew contract rates

Rates for crew transportation (e.g. Canada Post, school boards, railway companies, etc.) do not need Board approval if:

• There is a valid, current written contract for crew transportation between a licensee and a company or its agent, and
• The licensee has a crew transportation service limitation in the terms and conditions of their licence.