Whitehorse proposes stricter criminal records rules for taxi drivers

Whitehorse is proposing changes to itstaxi bylaw after a survey by the city revealed many people don't feel safe taking taxis.

About 165 people responded to a survey about vehicle-for-hire services, which includes taxis and limousines.

Eighty-seven per cent of survey respondents said the mechanical safety of the vehicleand criminal records checks on drivers were their top safety concerns. Drivers' conduct was a close third, at 83 per cent.

Having a clean and odour-free interior also ranked as important on the survey.

Under territorialrules, smoking is not allowed in taxis, but some respondents said they had either witnessed drivers in Whitehorse smoking in taxis or taxis smelling like smoke.

Proposed changes to the bylaw include stricter rules on how manycriminal convictions would bar someone from driving a taxi, and a ban on driverssmokingin or within five metresof a taxi.

Respondents also said they would like drivers to appear more clean cut and professional.

Other feedback addressed concerns about accessibility and the cost oftaxi fares.

Residents and business owners have until April 24to comment on the draft bylaw.