The sanctions against drivers and operators may take the
form of driver licence suspensions or action against their

Motor Carrier Licence.

The program is expected to yieid direct benefits to the
Taxi industry through lower ICBC rates, which could
translate into reduced costs of several hundred thousand
dollars a year; Higher retention rates for drivers, the
industry currently reports a turn over rate of over 25%
which adds dramatically to their operating costs and an
enhanced public image through the use of clean well
maintained cars and professional and knowledgeable drivers.

The Lower Mainland municipalities and cities would benefit
through the establishment of uniform standards for drivers
that are independent of the driver's home jurisdiction.
Jurisdictions who take an active role in taxi regulation
would be able take action against taxi and drivers that
are not in compliance with the standards, even if the Cab

is based in a jurisdiction that does not regulate taxis.

ICBC strongly supports 4a requirement for professional
driver training for all taxi operators and may provide
financial incentives through reduced premiums to encourage
companies and co-operatives to have their drivers take
professional driver training.

Transport Canada has expressed an interest in
participatins in the testing program as part of its
responsibiiities for the Vancouver International Airport.
Transport Canada currently undertakes knowledge testing of
the drivers serving the Airport. Initial discussions with
Transport Canada indicates that they would be willing to
contribute financially to the program.

Funding for the testing would be derived from cost sharing
between the municipalities, Transport Canada, the
Provincial government and industry itself. Expenses would
be modest because a major portion of the program would be
an extension of existing programs. Driver testing is an
extension of the current driver licence testing undertaken
by the Motor Vehicle Department, the development of taxi
profiles would be part of the National Safety Code which
is fully funded and the chauffeur permit system is already
in place in most municipalities and would require only
minor amendments to include the testing requirements.
Additional expenses such as the production of photo ID
cards can be charged back to the industry as part of the
testing fees.