Business Licensing for Transportation Network Companies
A transportation network company is any person who offers, operates or facilitates pre-arranged transportation services for compensation using any software or application or telecommunications platform to communicate with passengers. This doesn't include taxicab owners.
By-law No. 2021-57 licences, regulates and governs transportation network companies, drivers and vehicles that provide services to all persons within Niagara.
Licence application or renewal
Apply online for a business licence or renewal. Renewals must be submitted at least 30 days before the licence expires.
Requirements and fees
-
Business
Licence requirements for owner
- All current legal documents, including:
- Articles of incorporation
- Legal names, including government photo identification and addresses for all directors and officers with signing authority
- If born outside of Canada, confirmation that applicant is legally entitled to work in Canada
- Letter outlining number of signatures required for financial and administrative items
- Criminal record and judicial matters check obtained within 60 days
- Certificate of Insurance confirming $5 million liability and indemnifying Niagara Region
- List of full legal names of all persons who hold a vehicle licence and driver's licence affiliated with the business
Fees for transportation network companies
- Initial - $155
- Renewal - $155
- Fleet size 1 - 24 vehicles - $1,060
- Fleet size 25 - 99 vehicles - $5,290
- Fleet size 100 - 499 vehicles - $10,575
- Fleet size 500 - 999 vehicles - $15,865
- Fleet size 1000+ vehicles - $52,620
- Per trip charge - 0.15
Licensed transportation network companies
- Loyal Transportation
- Uber Canada Inc.
- Zoom Innovations Inc.
-
Driver
Licence requirements
- Two pieces of government issued identification. One piece of ID must be photo identification.
- If born outside of Canada, confirmation that applicant is legally entitled to work in Canada, such as a Canadian passport, permanent resident card, work permit (no social insurance cards)
- Unrestricted Class G Ontario driver's licence
- Ministry of Transportation three-year uncertified driver's abstract obtained within 30 days
- Criminal record and judicial matters check obtained within 60 days
- Colour photograph (headshot, blank background, no hats or glasses) taken within six months
Fees for transportation network company driver
- Initial - $60
- Renewal - $40
Renew within 30 days of expiry.
-
Vehicle
Licence requirements
- Vehicle ownership (both sides). If vehicle is leased or rented, a lease / rental agreement. If not the owner, a letter permitting use of vehicle for ridesharing is required.
- If propane or natural gas, an inspection certificate within 30 days
- Certificate of Insurance showing $2 million liability
- Evidence of O.E.F. 6A - Permission to carry passengers
- Based on the year appearing on the motor vehicle permit or ownership as issued by the Ministry of Transportation, if the vehicle is:
- Less than two years of age and has less than 20,000 kilometres on its odometer, a safety is not required
- Between two and seven years of age or has more than 20,000 kilometres on the odometer, a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate, issued not less than 36 days from the date submitted to the licensing officer, confirming the vehicle has passed the applicable safety inspection, is required annually; or,
- Greater than seven years of age, or has more than 140,000 kilometres on the odometer, a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate issued not less than 36 days from the date submitted to the licensing officer, confirming the vehicle has passed the applicable safety inspection, is required every six months
Fees for transportation network company vehicles
- Initial - $20
- Renewal - $20
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
