Extend Accessible Taxi Vehicle Age Limit from 10 Years to 13 Years in Toronto

Accessible taxis are a vital part of Toronto’s transportation system. Every day, they provide safe and reliable rides for people who depend on accessible vehicles, including:

Wheelchair users
Seniors
Persons with disabilities
Passengers traveling to medical appointments

However, accessible taxi drivers are facing a serious financial challenge that threatens the sustainability of this essential service.

The Problem
Operating an accessible taxi requires a major financial investment. Drivers are responsible for covering many significant expenses, including:

Purchasing the vehicle
Wheelchair lift or ramp equipment
Commercial insurance
Dispatch and licensing fees
Fuel and maintenance costs
Despite these high costs, the City of Toronto currently requires accessible taxis to be replaced after only 10 years.

Because accessible vehicles and conversion equipment are very expensive, many drivers are forced to replace their vehicles before they have had enough time to recover their investment.

The Solution
We are asking the City of Toronto to extend the allowable age limit for accessible taxi vehicles from 10 years to 13 years for vehicles currently in service.

This change would:

Help drivers recover their investment
Improve financial sustainability for accessible taxi drivers
Ensure accessible transportation remains available for residents who rely on it
Allow safe and well-maintained vehicles to remain in service longer
Many vehicles currently operating — including 2015, 2016, and 2017 models — are approaching the existing limit even though they remain safe, reliable, and properly maintained.

Extending the limit to 13 years would provide much-needed relief to drivers while maintaining accessibility services for the community.

Why This Matters
Accessible taxis provide an essential service for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. If drivers are forced to replace vehicles too soon, many may leave the industry, reducing the availability of accessible transportation in Toronto.

Supporting this petition helps protect both drivers and the people who depend on accessible transportation every day.

Our Request
We respectfully ask the Mayor and City Council of Toronto, along with Toronto Municipal Licensing & Standards, to:

Extend the maximum vehicle age limit for accessible taxis from 10 years to 13 years for vehicles currently in service.

Sign the Petition
If you support accessible transportation and want to help ensure drivers can continue providing this essential service, please sign and share this petition.

Together, we can help keep accessible taxis on the road for the people who need them most.

 
Petition Representative
Assadullah Khaksar
Taxi Plate: 4119
Phone: 416-578-0033