The Transportation Standards under the AODA and the Transportation Standard under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) both require organizations to make transportation accessible to people with disabilities. Moreover, both standards require many of the same processes and practices to ensure accessibility. However, there are many important differences between the standards. The third review of the AODA recommends that the Ontario government should coordinate with other provinces and the federal government to ensure that accessibility laws are consistent across Canada. Therefore, requirements in the AODA may one day change to align with mandates under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. In this article, we will explore requirements for accessible taxicabs in Ontario and Manitoba.
Accessible Taxicabs in Ontario and Manitoba
The AODA’s Transportation Standards and the Accessible Transportation Standard of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) both require cities that licence taxicabs to prohibit drivers from charging:
- Fees for storing passengers’ assistive devices
- A passenger with a disability more than a non-disabled passenger for the same trip
In addition, cities must consult with the public about on-demand accessible taxicabs. During this consultation, cities should learn how many accessible taxicabs their communities need. Moreover, cities must report on their progress procuring and deploying accessible taxicabs in their multi-year accessibility plans.
Differences
Manitoba taxicab drivers cannot refuse to serve someone travelling with a service animal. Likewise, drivers in Manitoba cannot refuse to serve someone who needs help or is experiencing an accessibility barrier. However, drivers can refuse if their vehicles cannot safely transport a person needing help or experiencing an accessibility barrier. In contrast, Ontario’s standards do not directly prohibit drivers from refusing to serve travelers:
- With service animals
- Needing help
- Experiencing accessibility barriers
In addition to consulting with the public about on-demand accessible taxicabs, Ontario cities must consult with:
- Their municipal accessibility advisory committees (MAACs)
- Other people with disabilities
Furthermore, Ontario taxicab drivers must place identification and registration information for their vehicles on the rear bumpers. Moreover, drivers must provide this information in accessible formats for passengers with disabilities. However, Manitoba drivers do not need to display this information.