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OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, April 4, 2009 · 4 Bylaw changes could give cab drivers more freedom By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville's taxi drivers are one step closer to being able to drive independently. The Town's Administrative Service Committee voted to that effect, during their Tuesday meeting, approving a change to the Taxicab Bylaw that would define a taxicab broker as `any person who carries on the business of dispatching taxicabs in any manner.' If approved by council on Monday, any driver who owns their own taxi plate (licence) could work in Oakville without having to belong to one of the two main brokerages. As such, these plate holders would not have to pay dispatch fees, which range from $800 to $900 per month. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton noted he was supporting the motion to increase the quality of Oakville's taxicab industry by bringing a greater fairness to taxi drivers. "The changes we're making here, we hope they will give drivers a little more freedom," said Burton" Brokerage owners have cautioned against giving drivers the ability to work independently saying there would be little accountability in such a system. Besides voting to give plate owners the option of independence, the committee also voted to remove a requirement that drivers work a certain number of hours to remain on the waiting list for a plate. Currently a driver is required to work 40 hours per week averaged over 44 weeks each year to stay on the list. Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams previously noted the reduction of this requirement is important as the current regulations provide little flexibility for someone to take time off or go on extended leave. He said this motion was brought forward to recognize that many on the waiting list have already been in the industry for years and as such should not have to work, what he called, extraordinary hours to keep their place on the waiting list. Committee members also deleted a proposed requirement that all plate holders drive a taxicab at least 20 hours a week averaged over 24 weeks each year and took a pass on banning taxicab plate leasing with staff called on to examine the issue and report back to the Taxicab Review Committee. A requirement that a broker service at least 10 taxicabs before being issued a special non-transferable wheelchair accessible plate was also dropped and the committee voted to give drivers a greater voice on the Taxicab Review Committee. The committee also voted to direct staff to examine such things as dress code enhancements, a plate ratio change, the introduction of written contracts between owners and drivers and a Passenger's Bill of rights. "The intent is to provide the best possible service not just in Oakville, but across the whole province," said Ward 1 Councillor Alan Johnston. All motions and directions to staff must still be approved by council, which will review the issue on Monday. Freedom of City march Saturday night Halton police will be blocking the intersection at Lakeshore and Thomas for several minutes Saturday night to allow members of the Lorne Scots Regiment to carry out a Freedom of the City march. The soldiers will meet at the Oakville Armoury, 90 Thomas St., and at 7:15 p.m. they will march to Jonathans Restaurant, located at 120 Thomas St. Jonathan Alikakos, the owner of the restaurant, is hosting members of the Lorne Scots A Company in recognition of the service the men and women of the Oakville Armoury provide in defence of Canada. The guest speaker for the dinner is Sgt Miranda Robertson, who just recently returned from her tour of duty in Afghanistan. C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · C C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N T A L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S Scratch & WALL TOSave up to $2500 WALL off CARPET SPECIALS Selected Brands ­ Every Cards a Winner WALL TO WALL CARPET SPECIALS HARD WEARING BERBER $ 99* $ 99* ALL IN-STOCK AREA RUGS... UP TO · · · · PERSIAN RUGS FROM IRAN DESIGNER AREA RUGS INDIAN & CHINESE RUGS DISCONTINUED PATTERNS 1 LUXURIOUS 50 oz. NYLON TWIST SQ. FT. 2 SQ. FT. Installed with pad. 1/2 PRICE OR LESS! BONUS! Just Arrived ONLY IN OAKVILLE NOURISON COLLECTION including CALVIN KLINE DON'T PAY PA AY TILL 2010 We reserve the right to limit quantities 3/4" HARDWOOD SELECT GRADE New 2009 $ INSTALLATION INCLUDED 699* SQ. FT. OFFER GOOD AT FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Outlet Store - Trafalgar Village Across from The · (905) 849-4472 Home Depot Huge Super Store - 228 King St. E. Downtown Hamilton · (905) 546-1921 · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T ·