CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) have charged one individual with violating the Highway Traffic Act and Cornwall’s taxi by-law for operating a ride sharing service.
The Police Board heard an update on the ride sharing issue at their meeting on Wednesday, April 4.
The individual, who was not identified at the meeting, was charged roughly two weeks ago, and Police Chief Dan Parkinson said that charges could be expected for two more drivers.
Parkinson said that violators could be fined $375 per-offense.
He explained that the ride sharing service in question is known as R&B Delivery Soul-utions and they were first brought to the attention of the CCPS by Cornwall’s existing taxi services. The Chief said that members of the CCPS then rode with the ride sharing service, which resulted in the charge against one individual.
“In fairness, it is a situation where there is a high level or sensitivity on the part of the taxi operators,” said Parkinson.
The CCPS had released a public notice last month in regards to Cornwall’s Taxi By-Law, By-Law#01, 2008, prohibits anyone from transporting individuals within the city limits and charging a fee for it unless otherwise authorized to do so.
“The Cornwall Community Police Service would like to remind members of the public that Choice Taxi and Tip Top Taxi are the only two licensed transportation service companies in Cornwall,” said CCPS in their public statement. “Any other unlicensed transportation service(s) that have not undergone these regulations may pose a risk to the safety of passengers.”
The statement went on to say that the fine could be much steeper than $375.
“In addition, unlicensed transportation services are subject to a penalty not exceeding $2000.00 as indicated in the By-Law and may also be found to commit an offence under Section 39.1(1)(b) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA),” the statement read. “This offence can result in a fine of up to $20,000 and these offences will be enforced by police.”
