In a move that could make the city a little greener, Toronto is considering banning all gas-powered taxis and rideshares by 2031!
During a meeting earlier this month, The Economic and Community Development Committee considered a report from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, that recommends the city require all taxis, limousines, and rideshare vehicles, like Uber and Lyft, be zero emissions by January 1, 2031.
“The transportation sector as a whole represents an estimated one-third of the city’s total emissions, of which the VFH (vehicle-for-hire) industry contributes 4-6% of total transportation emissions,” reads the report, continuing to say that this industry has the opportunity to be leaders in zero-emission transportation.
According to the report, these vehicles are driven three to four times as much as private cars, and ensuring these vehicles are zero emissions is part of Toronto’s wider efforts to try and achieve community-wide net zero emissions via the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy.
The recommendations made in the report include some exceptions, such as stretch limos and accessible vehicles receiving an exemption until there is more investigation into whether zero-emission vehicles can be turned into these modes of transport. Additionally, permit plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would be allowed to be used as vehicles-for-hire until December 31, 2032.
The report also recommends the city create a grant that would be given to VFH owners to help with the costs of this transition.
“The proposed approach was developed in response to feedback from industry and public stakeholders as well as consideration of the equity impacts of the net zero by 2030 requirement, as a substantial proportion of the VFH industry consists of lower-income individuals and equity-seeking groups,” reads the report.
Meanwhile, rideshare companies themselves are eyeing environmentally friendly options. Uber has released a sustainability strategy, pledging to operate as a zero-emission service by 2030 in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. The company is aiming to achieve this worldwide by 2040.
The recommendations made in the city’s report were considered by the committee on Sept. 21, and adopted with some changes. It will be a talking point for Toronto City Council during its Oct. 11 meeting.
