Rides Home

In addition to traditional operators such as taxis, ride-hail and limousines, establishments that offer alcoholic beverages can provide services to get their patrons home safely.

Free Rides

An establishment may offer a free ride home to patrons through either a

• Designated Driver Service, or a
• Free Shuttle Service

An establishment is not required to have a passenger transportation licence if it offers free services.

Designated Driver Services

An establishment may offer a "designated driver" service where a staff member can drive a patron home in the patron’s vehicle.

Staff members must be properly licensed to operate the patron’s class of vehicle.

Free Shuttle Service

If offering a free shuttle service, an establishment must ensure that drivers have the proper licence to operate the vehicle and ensure the vehicle is properly insured.

• Vehicles that can carry 10 or fewer passengers including the driver, require a class 5 driver’s licence
• Vehicles that can carry more than 10 passengers, including the driver, require a class 4 driver's licence

Fee-based Rides

An establishment may offer a fee-based service to patrons through either a

• Fee-based Shuttle Service, or a
• Contracted Fee-based Service

Fee-based Shuttle Service

If an establishment offers a fee-based shuttle service, it must have a passenger transportation licence and drivers must hold a Class 4 driver's licence. 

There are two types of passenger transportation licences: General Authorization or Special Authorization. Learn more about Passenger Transportation Vehicle & Licence Types.

Contracted Fee-based Service

An establishment may contract an existing passenger transportation licence holder or “designated driver” service to provide a fee-based shuttle services for patrons.