First industry stakeholders’ session gets mixed reviews

by Mike Beggs

There was plenty of healthy venting.

But industry opinion was split down the middle about the merits of the December 8 Stakeholders Meeting at Scarborough’s Cedarbrook Community Centre, which officially kicked off the City of Toronto’s long-awaited Taxi Industry Review.

The 100-or-so invitees were divided into 10 tables of 10 (accompanied by a Municipal Licensing & Standards facilitator), for this morning-long tete-a-tete. According to a City press release, this workshop was the start of the “Planning Phase” of the Review, where industry was asked to take part in Issues Identification and Review Approaches, and to discuss the eight issues earmarked by the City, as well as other concerns. MORE

Industry innovator and leader was last of the ‘Big Three’

by John Q. Duffy

The last of the major taxicab operators in Toronto has passed away.

Bruce Edward Bell, died at home in Orangeville on December 14, 2011 with family present, after a long battle with emphysema. He was 76 years old.

“It was 17 years since he was first diagnosed,” with lung problems, his son Jim Bell said.

Even though he and his beloved wife Verna moved to Orangeville in 1998, leaving most daily responsibilities for managing Diamond Taxi to his son Jim, Bruce still remained an active participant and company manager. MORE

Pity the pols

Sure, maybe they’re largely the authors of their own misfortune but officials charged with fixing Toronto’s ailing taxi industry are faced with sorting out a real dog’s breakfast of conflicting and often heartfelt opinion about how to go about it.

TLT denies request for second year’s grace to dispose of plate

Tribunal takes hard line on bylaw despite estate agent’s argument that they be allowed to wait for 2012 outcome of City’s taxi industry review

by Mike Beggs

The Toronto Licensing Tribunal (TLT) turned down a widow’s request for another year’s extension of her late husband’s taxi plate, pending the outcome of the recently commenced Toronto Taxi Industry Review.

They limited her to another six months to dispose of the plate. MORE

First industry stakeholders’ session gets mixed reviews

Industry innovator and leader was last of the ‘Big Three’

TLT denies request for second year’s grace to dispose of plate

Pity the poor pols who have to fix this mess

This just in: Taxi driver refresher course sort of interesting!

‘King of the scoopers’ led brave battle against exclusive airport rights

Industry veteran and frequent Taxi News contributor Gerry Manley has written a series of letters addressing what he believes are the most pressing issues industry members should be considering prior to attending the major stakeholders’ meetings for the taxi industry review. You will find all of them here. MORE