At long last someone in the city has begun to investigate Toronto’s taxis. An investigation was launched in January 2008 and was specific to the Union Station area taxi drivers in response to many complaints over a sustained period of time. But, unfortunately there are taxi drivers all over Toronto that are rude, aggressive, illegal soliciting cab fares, refusing to accept the first fare, unlicensed drivers and taxis, and many taxis are dirty and in poor condition. There was not even an honourable mention of taxis drivers who have their cell phone glued to their ear for the entire ride. The investigation was carried out by 15 city bylaw enforcement officers and Union Station security officers and the result was that 147 tickets were issued for a variety of infractions.

Gus Michaels, the manager of the Investigation Services, Licensing Enforcement Unit believes that this unacceptable behavior is limited to a very small percentage of Toronto taxi drivers. But, I beg to differ. Either Mr. Michaels doesn’t use taxis or he has his head in the sand. Most people that I know would rather avoid Toronto taxis at all costs. The drivers all over the city exhibit the same behavior as that which was noted in the Union Station area. Have you ever had any dealings with Toronto taxi drivers on hospital row - University Avenue from College to Dundas? The drivers are extremely aggressive and are in constant altercations with motorists. They will not confine themselves to the well defined taxi areas and park in all of the legal parking spaces or double park in the street causing more congestion than already exists. They aggressively solicit fares and argue among themselves.

When will there be a full scale investigation of Toronto’s taxis? The problem is not limited to the Union Station area. That is merely the tip of the iceberg.

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