Taking a Taxi | City of Kingston

We license and regulate passenger transportation services to support safe, reliable and accessible transportation for residents and visitors. Currently, the City's Passenger Transportation Services By-Law regulates taxicab brokers, taxicab plateholders and taxicab drivers.

If you are a taxi driver, plateholder or broker, find information about how to obtain or renew a licence on our Passenger Transportation Services Licensing page.

Licensed taxi services in Kingston

We ensure that taxis operating in Kingston meet licensing, vehicle, insurance and safety requirements. Taxi services in Kingston are available through City-licensed taxi brokers.

Amey’s Taxi

Phone: (613) 546-1111
Website/app: www.ameystaxi.ca

Limestone City Taxi

Phone: (613) 691-1112
Website/app: limestonecitytaxi.net

Modern City Taxi

Phone: (613) 546-2222
Website/app: www.moderncitytaxi.ca

Need an accessible taxi?

All licensed taxi brokers in Kingston provide accessible taxi services. If you require an accessible vehicle, let the taxi broker know when booking your trip.

Accessible taxi drivers are required to take reasonable steps to prioritize requests for accessible taxi service. Mobility aids must be safely secured while being transported in an accessible taxi.

Passengers with disabilities cannot be charged a higher fare or additional fee for the same trip. There is no additional charge for the storage of mobility aids or for a service animal.

Learn more about our accessible transportation services.

Safety features in licensed taxis

Licensed taxis in Kingston must meet City safety and vehicle standards. Taxis must:

Be mechanically safe, clean, and sanitary
Have working door locks, heating, and air conditioning
Have four winter tires from December 1 to March 15

In-vehicle cameras

Licensed taxis must have an in-vehicle camera that records the passenger area and the road in front of the vehicle.
Signs must tell passengers that audio and/or video recording may take place. Recordings must be kept for at least 30 days.

Emergency light

Licensed taxis must have a flashing 911 emergency light at the rear of the vehicle.
A sign must be displayed near the light telling people to call 911 if the light is flashing.

Taxi fares and rates

Taxi fares in Kingston are regulated by us. The taxi meter must be visible to passengers, operate according to the City's approved tariff and show the total running fare, including applicable taxes. If the taxi meter is not on, the ride is free.

Current taxi rates

Charge	Rate
First 135 metres or part thereof (includes $0.25 Access Fee)	$4.50
Each additional 135 metres or part thereof*	$0.30
Each additional passenger over one**	$0.50
Waiting time – each 25 seconds	$0.30
Use of trunk or storage area	$0.50
Briefcases and similar parcels loaded/unloaded by passenger	No charge
Service dogs	No charge
Walkers used for medical reasons	No charge
Specific request for a passenger van	$2.50
Cancellation after driver reaches pickup location	$3.00

*For trips beginning within Kingston and ending more than five kilometres outside City limits, the driver must arrange the fare with the passenger before the trip begins.

***The additional-passenger charge does not apply to children aged 12 or younger travelling with an adult or to personal care attendants accompanying a passenger with a disability. Charges for certain large items must be agreed upon between the passenger and driver before the trip begins.

Note: An extensive cleaning charge of $80.50 may be charged for unusual sanitary accidents caused by a passenger and must appear on the printed taximeter receipt.

Fare disputes

If there is a dispute about the fare, the driver must provide a receipt showing the fare paid, date and time of the trip, pickup location and destination, driver's name and taxi plate number.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, keep your receipt and report it by email to contactus@cityofkingston.ca. Use “Taxi Service Complaint” as the email subject line.

Passenger expectations and responsibilities

When using a licensed taxi in Kingston, you can expect safe, professional and respectful service.

As a passenger, you have the right to:

Be treated courteously, respectfully and without discrimination.
Receive service from a properly licensed taxicab driver operating a licensed vehicle.
See the driver's City-issued identification displayed as required.
Travel in a clean, safe and properly maintained vehicle.
Choose your destination and, where reasonable, request your preferred route.
Be charged the applicable fare and have the taximeter used where required.
Know the applicable fare or charges for your trip.
Receive a receipt upon request.
Travel without unnecessary delays or unauthorized passengers.
Request reasonable assistance entering or exiting the vehicle and with personal belongings or mobility aids.
Travel with a service animal without being refused service or charged an additional fee because of the animal.
Request an accessible taxicab when accessible service is required.
Have your privacy, dignity and personal space respected.
Report concerns about taxi service to the City of Kingston without fear of retaliation.

Passengers also have responsibilities:

A safe and respectful trip is a shared responsibility. When using a taxicab, passengers are expected to:

Treat drivers respectfully.
Refrain from threatening, abusive, discriminatory or harassing behaviour.
Follow reasonable safety instructions from the driver.
Wear a seatbelt where required by law.
Not smoke, vape or use prohibited substances in the vehicle.
Not intentionally damage or excessively soil the vehicle.
Avoid distracting the driver or interfering with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Pay the applicable fare at the end of the trip.
Be responsible for the conduct of children or other individuals in their care.
Take their belongings when leaving the vehicle.

A driver may refuse or discontinue a trip where a passenger's behaviour creates a safety concern, is threatening or abusive, could damage the vehicle, or where another lawful reason for refusing service applies.

Lost and found

If you left something behind in a taxi, contact the taxi broker directly first. Taxi brokers dispatch vehicles and are best positioned to help identify the vehicle and driver involved in your trip. The City of Kingston does not maintain a central lost-and-found service for items left in taxicabs.

When contacting the broker, provide as much information as possible, including:

The date and approximate time of your trip
Where you were picked up and dropped off
The taxi number or driver's badge number, if known
A description of the lost item
Your name and contact information

Report a taxi service concern or complaint

If you have a concern about a licensed taxi, taxi driver, or taxi broker, you can report it by email to contactus@cityofkingston.ca. Use “Taxi Service Complaint” as the email subject line.

To help City staff review your complaint, include the taxi number, driver’s badge number, or other details that can help identify the taxi or driver.

If you are in immediate danger or there is an emergency, call 911.

Concerns you can report include

Driver conduct or customer service.
Unsafe driving or vehicle conditions.
Fare or meter concerns.
Refusal of service.
Accessibility concerns.
Discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.
Concerns about an unlicensed driver or vehicle.
Other possible violations of the City's Passenger Transportation Services By-Law.

What to include in your concern or complaint

Please provide as much information as you can, including:

The date and approximate time of the incident
The pick-up and drop-off locations
The taxi number
The driver’s badge number or name, if known
The name of the taxi broker
A description of what happened
Supporting information, such as a receipt, photo, or screenshot