In support of the upcoming changes to the taxi rates structure and taxi meter requirements, the Passenger Transportation Board (Board) is giving controlling members greater responsibility and flexibility in managing taxi meter-related tasks.

What is a controlling member?

As outlined in the Controlling Members policy, a “controlling member” is an individual or position who controls a licensee’s business operations. It includes:

• If a public company or private company, then all directors and officers as defined in the Business Corporations Act.
• If a registered society, then all directors and senior managers, as defined in the Society Act.
• If a partnership, then all partners or if a limited liability partnership, then the general partner, as defined in the Partnership Act.
• If a sole proprietorship, then the sole proprietor.
• Managers occupying positions responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business.

Policy revisions

Under the revised policy, controlling members of taxi licensees operating outside Region 1 are authorized to perform the following tasks:

• Meter installation, programming, calibration, adjustments, testing, and any other modifications that include breaking the security seal (physical and/or electronic) to perform.
• Delegate the above tasks to qualified individuals or business, provided the controlling members are accountable and responsible to ensure that all delegated work complies with the Board’s Taxi Meters Rule(62 KB).

Taxi licensees operating in Region 1, as defined by the Passenger Transportation Regions policy, have access to an established taxi meter service provider. Under these circumstances, controlling members of licensees operating in Region 1 are not authorized to perform these tasks themselves. While this policy provides greater operational flexibility, controlling members remain accountable for compliance with all Board requirements related to taxi meters.

Purpose of the revisions

These revisions address ongoing challenges faced by licensees in accessing established service providers for taxi meter-related tasks in underserved areas outside Region 1. This policy change provides clarity and greater flexibility for licensees while ensuring accountability and compliance with the Board’s requirements.

What this means for controlling members outside Region 1

You now have the authority to oversee all aspects of taxi meter management for vehicles under your licence. You can delegate these responsibilities but must ensure that all tasks comply with the Board’s Taxi Meters Rule.

This policy is effective immediately, so you can begin managing taxi meter-related tasks without waiting for third-party service providers. By choosing to perform tasks outlined, you are responsible and accountable for ensuring that all vehicles comply with the Board’s meter requirements, including any future updates or standards.

More Information

If you have questions or need additional guidance, please contact Jim Grove, Communications Officer, at jim.grove@gov.bc.ca.