Calgary’s pilot project on taxi hydrant zone parking has been so successful that recommendations are being made to roll it out city-wide.

The program allowed taxis to park in front of selected fire hydrants, doubling the number of taxi stalls available downtown.

“It’s making use of the space efficiently because that space can be used for that type of activity and then also for emergency purposes,” said Troy McLeod, general manager for the Calgary Parking Authority.

He added compliance has improved at hydrant parking zones since the project started, as the taxi industry almost protects the space for emergency purposes.
The move to expand the hydrant zones has support from key stakeholders, including the fire department and taxi companies.

“We would like to continue, we’d like even more space because downtown is very busy,” said Rajiv Kapil, head Calgary Cab Drivers Association.

Stephanie Ho Lem, chair of the Taxi Limousine Advisory Committee (TLAC), said expansion of the program out of the downtown core makes sense.

“It gives them (cab drivers) extra space in key areas where they can find passengers,” she said.

Areas that could be targeted include Kensington and Uptown 17th, according to McLeod.

Costs to implement the program in other areas would run around $15,000 and would be recovered from TLAC fees, according to a city document. The recommendation goes before the transportation committee on Wednesday.