Hamilton’s Blue Line taxi issued licence to serve Burlington days after local outlet closes
Global News
A Hamilton-based taxi service is set to cover a transportation hole after Burlington Taxi – a 53-year fixture of the community – close its doors for good in November.
A Hamilton-based taxi service has been issued a new licence by the city of Burlington to mitigate the loss of the city’s primary service in late November.
Blue Line Taxi began servicing residents on Tuesday just over a week after Burlington Taxi — a 53-year fixture of the community — closed its doors for good.
Amendments to the city’s vehicle/taxi bylaw were made following the closure allowing for applications to open on Dec. 2, 2021.
The changes are expected to be a temporary solution until city staff undertake a comprehensive review, including an investigation into ridesharing businesses, for a new bylaw prior to December 31, 2023.
With the latest amendment, 13 new taxi vehicles have entered the market as of Tuesday.
“I want to thank the successful applicant for coming forward, and I’m grateful to city staff and my council colleagues for working quickly to find a temporary solution to restore taxi service in Burlington immediately,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in a release on Tuesday.
“I also thank staff for their ongoing efforts to bring forward a permanent solution to this issue.”
Ward 4 Coun. Shawna Stolte, who was tasked with trying to find a solution amid Burlington Taxi’s departure said in a statement that additional licenses will be reviewed since multiple taxi companies have come forward with applications.