Toronto’s Green Vision: Contemplating a Ban on Gas-Powered Uber, Lyft and Taxis by 2031

The city of Toronto is considering a ban on gas-burning Uber, Lyft, and taxi cars by the year 2031. This progressive initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality.

This comes after Toronto city council received a recommendation from in form of a report from the Toronto’s Municipal Licensing and Standards division. City Hall’s Economic and Community Development Committee is set to consider the report before the week ends. Thereafter, it will decide whether the recommendations will be brought forward as a motion at next council meeting due in October.

Just like any other city, Toronto has been grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and increased air pollution. Transportation is a major contributor to these problems, with gas-powered vehicles being a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The report recommends that an exception should be provided for stretch-limousines and accessible vehicles until further review establishes that enough zero-emission vehicle models can be converted.

To implement this ban effectively, Toronto will need to promote the adoption of electric and low-emission vehicles in the ride-sharing and taxi industries. Several incentives and support programs could be put in place to encourage drivers and ride-sharing companies to make the transition.

In addition, the report also recommends plug-in hybrid vehicles to be exempted until 2033. It also recommends creation of a city-funded grant that would be distributed to taxi and limo owners as well as to ride hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to help offset the cost of transition to zero-emission vehicles.