Whitehorse proposes stricter criminal records rules for taxi drivers
Proposed changes also include ban on smoking within 5m of vehicle
Whitehorse is proposing changes to its taxi bylaw after a survey by the city revealed many people don't feel safe taking taxis.
About 165 people responded to a survey about vehicle-for-hire services, which includes taxis and limousines.
Eighty-seven per cent of survey respondents said the mechanical safety of the vehicle and criminal records checks on drivers were their top safety concerns. Drivers' conduct was a close third, at 83 per cent.
Having a clean and odour-free interior also ranked as important on the survey.
Under territorial rules, smoking is not allowed in taxis, but some respondents said they had either witnessed drivers in Whitehorse smoking in taxis or taxis smelling like smoke.
Proposed changes to the bylaw include stricter rules on how many criminal convictions would bar someone from driving a taxi, and a ban on drivers smoking in or within five metres of a taxi.
Respondents also said they would like drivers to appear more clean cut and professional.
Other feedback addressed concerns about accessibility and the cost of taxi fares.
Residents and business owners have until April 24 to comment on the draft bylaw.