Easier access to wheelchair-friendly taxis coming to Oshawa

Oshawa residents will soon find it easier to book wheelchair-accessible taxicabs thanks to an amendment to the City’s Vehicle-for-Hire By-law 31-2022, with a  newly-established intermunicipal exemption aimed at expanding service options for people with mobility needs.

The City of Oshawa, along with several neighbouring municipalities have approved an intermunicipal exemption that allows wheelchair-accessible taxicabs licensed in any Durham municipality to pick up passengers in any participating municipality, including Oshawa, and transport them to any destination. The following municipalities have currently approved an intermunicipal exemption: Oshawa, Ajax, Clarington, Pickering, Uxbridge and Whitby.

The new exemption aims to increase the availability of accessible transportation by giving drivers more opportunities to accept fares across the region. Under the new rules, the exemption applies only to wheelchair-accessible taxicabs and vehicles must hold a valid taxicab licence from a participating Durham Region municipality while continuing to meet all safety and accessibility standards. Trips must begin in a municipality that has adopted the exemption.

The change reflects a shared regional commitment to improving mobility and reducing barriers for residents who rely on accessible transportation.

Learn about licensed operators, operating standards and more on the Vehicles for Hire webpage.