An important part of the Passenger Transportation Board’s role is to promote sound economic conditions in the passenger transportation industry while ensuring public need is addressed. To do this effectively, the Board is engaged in the development of data-driven quantitative analysis to assess market conditions across the industry.

Quantitative analysis uses a combination of economic theory, mathematics, and statistical inference to understand what is happening across an economic sector. It means looking at different variables to see how they affect each other, and how they might be impacting supply and demand in the market.

Why the Board engages in quantitative analysis

As an independent tribunal, the Board has been tasked with making well-reasoned, objective, evidence-based decisions that fulfill its legislative mandate. Both the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations in 2018 and, more recently, the Special Committee to Review Passenger Directed Vehicles in 2024 have recommended that the Board collect, analyze, and use data to support evidence-based decision-making.

In support of this goal, the Board includes terms and conditions of licence that require licensees to provide data. The Board sets data requirements based on information the Board needs to make objective decisions and effectively regulate the industry. The Board also utilizes economic expertise to assess and analyze relevant data, to help contextualize the data in support of Board decision-making.

Quantitative analysis helps to inform the Board’s decisions as a regulator of the passenger transportation industry. The analysis may be considered in applications or Board systemic decisions. Quantitative analysis helps the Board to promote a healthy industry that supports variety, sustainability, and innovation among service providers, while also promoting accessibility, affordability, safety, and service quality for the public. 

The importance of data coverage and quality

For quantitative analysis to be helpful and reliable, the Board requires quality data that is sufficiently comprehensive in coverage. If the data falls below a threshold of coverage and quality, quantitative analysis may not provide an accurate picture of what is happening in the industry.

At this time, sufficient coverage means that most of the TNS and taxi licensees across the province are submitting data. Data quality means that the submitted data includes complete and accurate data elements.

By submitting quality data, licensees help the Board to effectively monitor and assess the state of the industry. The Board is then in a better position to make objective decisions to support the sustainability of the industry and adequate services for the public. Since this is in the best interest of the industry and public, it underlines the importance of licensees submitting data on an ongoing basis.