Latest news with #NTA
The Journal
an hour ago
- Automotive
- The Journal
Entry test for taxi drivers to be updated because use of online maps now ‘widely accepted'
THE ENTRY TEST for taxis, hackneys and limousines will soon be updated to reflect the fact that passengers now 'widely accept' the use of online maps. The Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Driver Entry Test is designed to verify that new entrants to the industry are familiar with good practice and have a 'good working knowledge of the county in which you wish to operate'. This test must be passed by applicants before they apply for an SPSV driver licence. It consists of two modules: an Industry Knowledge Module, which assesses understanding of legislation and operational standards, and the Area Knowledge Module, which evaluates the applicant's familiarity with the county in which they intend to operate. The National Transport Authority (NTA) said it had undertaken a review with key stakeholders regarding this test. Its findings showed that while passengers still expect drivers to have a higher-than-average understanding of local geography, the use of online maps is now widely accepted. Advertisement As a result, changes will be made to the Area Knowledge module in an attempt to 'balance realistic and modern driver practices with the continued need for strong customer service'. The revised Area Knowledge module will place more emphasis on knowledge of motorways and transport hubs. It will also place greater focus on tourist attractions, hospitals, sports, theatre and music venues and, for urban centres, knowledge on major street names, one-way systems and city routes. To give applicants time to prepare ahead of the update to the test on 1 October, the 8th edition of the SPSV Industry Manual is now available on NTA's website. The current version will remain available and valid for test preparation until that date. Kevin O'Brien, Head of Transport Regulation of NTA, said the changes 'align with ongoing efforts to modernise entry into the sector'. 'By recognising the role navigation technology plays and focusing on the driver knowledge that genuinely supports passenger needs, we are making the entry process into the SPSV sector more relevant, fair and future-ready.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Bad blood in the Niagara towing industry
The push for change in administration of the lucrative Niagara Regional Police tow-truck rotation is coming to a head. Joe Vieira, owner-operator of Regional Towing in Niagara Falls, and Chris York, who drives a truck from Jo's Auto Collision in Thorold, have gone public with complaints against Niagara Tow Alliance (NTA), which was formed in 2019 to help Niagara Region oversee the rotation of tow trucks called to crashes. Vieira and York have accused NTA, owned by a rival tow company, of conflicts of interest and questioned the organization's finances. The alliance has denied the allegations and recently voted to expel Vieira from the organization. The NRP issued a report recommending reassumption of control over the rotational list for Thursday's police board agenda. Regional staff maintain changes to provincial legislation relieves the upper-tier municipality 'It's a matter of safety, and we want to make sure that we have the proper oversight for the towing rotation to make sure we don't have the criminality coming down here from Toronto,' Vieira said. 'The way it stands now, nobody is overseeing the towing for the Niagara Regional Police. If a citizen has a complaint about a tow they received from somebody the police called out, there is nobody to go to. It's absolutely 100 per cent in limbo right now.' The Ontario government created a vacuum in January 2024 by changing its towing legislation and relieving municipalities, such as Niagara Region, of responsibility for licensing tow trucks. The revisions were in response to violence in Toronto. The regulation of the industry is now part of the Ministry of Transportation's mandate; however, the legislation is silent on tow rotations. Niagara Region's manager of business licensing, Chris Johnston, said without the ability to license the trucks, his department lacks authority to manage or change the rotational list. 'The language is not there for rotation,' Johnston said. 'It speaks about what the compound will look like, how operators conduct themselves, the licensing regime concerning all things tow truck and the enforcement component of that. 'The rotation was created as part of the bylaw that was pre-existing, and now we can't enforce it, essentially. That's where we need to determine what the next steps are going to be.' A police tow rotation is a system whereby towing companies are called to provide towing services in a predetermined order. This system ensures fair distribution of towing jobs, prevents chaotic competition and helps maintain order at crash scenes. The NRP employs a separate company, Parkway Towing of Niagara Falls, for what are known as crime tows, when a vehicle is evidence and police need to verify the chain of custody for court proceedings. The NRP awards the contract via a competitive process. Vieira said he requested to see NTA's financial statements and information about the GST remittance to the government for the dispatch service, which costs each company $85 monthly plus tax. 'If the NTA had just provided the bank statements of the ins and outs and the GST information and everything checked out, I would have shut up and disappeared with egg on my face,' Vieria said. 'We did get some transcripts that somebody manually inputted, but we wanted to see where the money is going. I eventually decided to have my lawyer from Protomanni & Associates request the financials on my behalf, using their letterhead. 'I thought that might work, but then the lawyer called me in and said we can't legally ask them. He turned the computer screen toward me and said, 'These are the directors, and it is set up as a money-generating business.' I was completely floored. 'When we first got together at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street (in St. Catharines), we were told you have to be part of the NTA to tow for the police, and not to worry about the cost because the organization is not-for-profit.' A screen capture shows a message, with the name redacted, that was sent to the owner of Regional Towing. Vieira said he contacted police and was assured his company can stay on the rotation by paying the dispatcher directly. York said he never joined the alliance, having been convinced from the outset it was, at best, unnecessary, but is nonetheless invoiced for the dispatch service. York told regional councillors during their June 26 meeting it is clear to him Niagara Towing alliance is making a profit. 'We repeatedly asked to see them and were sent a spreadsheet,' York said. 'Where are the supporting documents? We've asked to see bank statements. We've asked to see the invoices. None of this has been forthcoming.' Jim Hatcher, owner of Traffic Towing in St. Catharines, serves as NTA's elected chair. He requested that questions be submitted and answered through email. He took issue with the comments about financial accountability. 'All members received a copy of our statements to date and have had access to the bank records,' Hatcher said. 'However, the Niagara Towing Alliance is not part of any government body; therefore, our financial activity is solely the business of our members and the board. We are fully compliant.' Hatcher has also denied having a conflict of interest because his company is on the tow list. He said the alliance doesn't make decisions regarding the list, as the province's licensing system determines eligibility, along with specific criteria provided by police, in another emailed response. 'If approved by the province, they can apply for and be added to the rotation list,' Hatcher said. 'It is not in our authority to approve or disapprove of anyone on the rotation, as we serve at the pleasure of several police departments.' Vieira said the issue has more to do with owners who gain a financial advantage because they have multiple companies in the rotation. 'One of the things that I'm pushing for is just one owner, one company, and none of this 'My dad owns this company; it's not mine,'' Vieira said. 'If you get in an accident and the police call for a tow, and the vehicle stays in the compound for a few days, each car is going to bring in $1,800 to $2,200. You can have between 20 and 40 vehicles per month, depending on the circumstances. That's just my company. One of the members has six companies listed. You can see how lucrative it is.' Hatcher said NTA members in attendance at the most recent meeting unanimously endorsed continuing with the alliance's present services if asked to do so by the police and region. 'With our proven track record and transparent system that remains revenue neutral to the taxpayer and combined with the addition of NRP oversight, I can see no reason why we wouldn't continue,' Hatcher said. Vieira said money and territorial disputes are at the heart of the violence surrounding the industry in Toronto, and those factors are also at play in Niagara. The Toronto Star reported police records show tow-truck violence was responsible for 13 per cent of all shootings in the city in 2024, and 15 per cent in the first part of 2025. 'Any time you have a contest, people are going to try to get a leg up,' Vieira said. 'Someone is going to try to cheat, and they're going to threaten or intimidate or hurt you or take you completely out of the picture.' Vieira and Hatcher agree on this point. Hatcher said the criminal activity stems from an industry practice known as 'chasing.' 'That's when a tow truck shows up uninvited and attempts to coerce the victims of an accident into using their services,' Hatcher said. 'I can report the NRP is diligently working on a monitoring system, in addition to the present dispatch protocol, that will eliminate any outside element wanting to chase in Niagara. We believe the police are well aware and are taking definitive steps.' One owner says the procedure that involves a Niagara Region list of companies local police use The police report on the local industry said the criminal aspect associated with tow trucks in the GTA and Hamilton area is a 'real and credible risk' in Niagara. 'The NRPS is aware of the criminal element in the tow truck industry within our jurisdiction, and this is a valid concern,' the report said. 'The responsibility of managing, administering and enforcing in all aspects of the tow trucks operating in Niagara would position the NRPS well to both address the criminal element and take a proactive approach through the oversight function associated with management of the tow rotation list.' The report said there is no provincial standard for lists, and it is up to each jurisdiction to manage tow trucks once the ministry licenses them. However, from a public perception and accountability lens, drivers impacted or involved in collisions believe police control every aspect of the crash scene, including the tow trucks attending. 'Therefore, there is already a perceived responsibility on the NRPS by the community,' the report said. 'Assuming carriage of the tow rotation list aligns NRPS operations with this public perception.' St. Catharines regional Coun. Haley Bateman said the towing issue is a safety concern for the entire community. 'A tow-truck driver is called when you need help, and in those moments, you're vulnerable,' Bateman told council at its June meeting. 'There's a huge responsibility here for the safety and well-being of our community. I hope we can move this along. It's not up to us. It's up to staff, but I think council should ensure that we're providing the support to do that.' Vieira said the fight is taking a personal toll. When he was removed from the alliance, one of the members made a throat-slashing gesture with his thumb. Vieira said he is considering wearing a bulletproof vest for the second time since he opened his business 23 years ago. The first instance was during the COVID-19 pandemic when roads were empty across the province and rival companies from outside Niagara invaded the local road network in search of business. These days, as a result of what's happening in the industry and his dispute with the towing alliance, he takes security precautions when he returns home from work. 'There has been a lot forwarded to me on social media,' he said. 'It's always anonymous, except for one person who is making threats that aren't exactly overt. He's making a point of calling me a rat, which is jail lingo for somebody who squeals or works with the authorities. Anybody who's been around the criminal element knows what it means. It's a big insult. 'That's not how I see myself. The opposition comes from individuals who have multiple companies on the list or have recently started their businesses and joined the rotation. They're afraid that the police might listen to me and make changes.' York finished his address to council with a plea and a warning. 'We need to give this back to the NRP before we have any more problems,' he said. 'They controlled it before and know what they were doing. Right now, we're sitting in a situation where we could have organized crime move in at any time, outmuscle Mr. Hatcher, and take control of the towing industry in Niagara.' During Thursday's meeting of the police board, Bill Steele, mayor of Port Colborne, asked that a motion recommending NRP take over management and oversight of the towing list be deferred until a Niagara Region report on the issue is filed. That report is expected in the next month or so. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
India Today
8 hours ago
- Science
- India Today
CSIR National Eligibility Test June 2025 exam admit card released. Direct link here
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued the admit card for the CSIR UGC-NET June 2025 exam. Candidates can download the CSIR UGC-NET June exam admit card from the official website, examination is set to take place on July 28, 2025, in a computer-based format across two shifts. The admit card is crucial for entry into the examination hall and must be carried by each SCHEDULE DETAILSThe CSIR UGC NET June exam 2025 will be conducted in two distinct shifts. The first shift, slated for 9 am to 12 pm, will cover two subjects: Life Sciences and Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean, and Planetary the second shift, from 3 pm to 6 pm, will include exams for Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical should ensure they arrive at the examination centre well ahead of time to avoid any last-minute TO DOWNLOAD CSIR UGC-NET ADMIT CARDCandidates must adhere to the following steps to download their CSIR UGC-NET June Exam Admit Card:Visit the official website, on 'Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2025: Click Here To Download Admit Card'A new link will open.- Enter your application number and date of birthClick on 'Submit'Your admit card will be displayed on the screenDownload and save the admit card for future referenceIt is advisable to print multiple copies for safetyDirect link to download CSIR UGC NET June exam admit card 2025IMPORTANT NOTESThe CSIR UGC-NET exam is conducted by the NTA to appoint candidates for the roles of Assistant Professor and for PhD. admissions. It is important to note that the admit card released is are urged to check the official website regularly for any updates or queries regarding the detailed schedule and further instructions related to the examination are available on the official are encouraged to review these meticulously to ensure compliance with all requirements. Additionally, adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the authorities is mandatory.- EndsMust Watch
India.com
8 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
CSIR UGC-NET 2025 admit card released at csirnet.nta.ac.in; Check exam date, direct link to download hall ticket
CSIR UGC-NET 2025: The admit cards for Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC-NET) 2025 has officially been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates can access and download the admit cards through the official website – CSIR UGC-NET 2025: Key Details According to the schedule, the examination is to be conducted on July 28, 2025 via the Computer Based mode in two shifts. The first shift is to be held from 9 AM to 12 Noon for examination of two subjects (Life Sciences and Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences) while the second shift is to be conducted form 3 PM to 6 PM for examinations of three subjects (Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences). The exam will consist of three parts and all the parts will consist of objective type, multiple choice questions. There will be no break between the parts. CSIR UGC-NET 2025: Steps To Download Admit Card For the convenience of the candidates, we have provided the steps through which you can download your admit card directly. Step 1. Go to the official website – Go to the official website – Step 2. On the Homepage, click on ' Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2025: Click Here To Download Admit Card'. On the Homepage, click on ' Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2025: Click Here To Download Admit Card'. Step 3. You will be redirected to a new page. You will be redirected to a new page. Step 4. Enter the asked credentials – application number and date of birth. Enter the asked credentials – application number and date of birth. Step 5. Click on 'Submit' to view your admit card. Click on 'Submit' to view your admit card. Step 6. Your admit card will appear on the screen. Your admit card will appear on the screen. Step 7. Download and save your admit card for future reference. The NTA conducts the CSIR UGC-NET examination with the aim to appoint candidates and fill up the role of Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. and admission to Ph.D. only.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
No nearby centres for disabled: UGC NET exam raises accessibility concerns
Siddharth B. Mahajan was looking forward with confidence towards the Junior Research Fellowship exam. 'After qualifying UGC-NET in my first attempt, I was determined to get the JRF. But I had to cancel my participation,' said Mr. Mahajan, a 100 percent visually impaired student from Christ University, Bengaluru. When Mr. Mahajan applied for the UGC NET 2025 exam, he was allotted a centre 35 kilometres away from his residence in Bengaluru. Unable to travel such a long distance independently, he cancelled his attempt. His experience highlights a recurring concern among candidates with physical disabilities — lack of clear guidelines or accommodations when it comes to examination centre allocation. While the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the UGC-NET, allows all candidates to select their preferred cities during registration, it does not provide assurances about the exact centre location within those cities, regardless of disability status. In some cases, candidates from nearby towns and villages have reported having to travel to city centres, spend the night on campus grounds, and appear for the exam the next day. Though the agency mentions that 'all efforts will be made' to consider the comfort and convenience of persons with disabilities (PwD), there is no specific provision in the UGC-NET information bulletin that ensures visually impaired candidates are allotted nearby or accessible centres. Although there are many provisions for relating to Persons with Disability (PwD)/ Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities's 'Guidelines for conducting written examination for persons with benchmark disabilities 2018,' such as the option of using a scribe, reader, or lab assistant, writing the exam in Braille, availing compensatory time, and being provided proper seating arrangements at the venue, however, these provisions do not extend to centre allocation. Mr. Mahajan's case has triggered questions around whether India's examination system truly can truly accommodate persons with disabilities, particularly when it comes to logistical and infrastructural access. Despite existing legal protections under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, candidates and advocates argue that such policies fall short, leaving students such as Mr. Mahajan navigate gaps on their own. Medical and social problems On June 27, Mr. Mahajan was fully prepared for his UGC NET exam and had even arranged for a scribe to accompany him. However, upon assessing the route to his allotted centre, he realised the journey involved navigating multiple modes of transport and following signboards, something particularly challenging for someone who is 100 percent visually impaired. Considering Bengaluru's infamous traffic congestion, restrictions like the bike ban, and his disability certificate, he had expected the UGC or the NTA to provide a centre closer to his residence. Ultimately he decided to cancel going to the venue. Gyanendra Purohit, a disability rights advocate based in Indore who works closely with students who are deaf, mute, and blind, says that students with physical disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired, often face difficulties arranging scribes. 'Scribes sometimes cancel at the last moment, fall ill, or simply refuse to show up on the day of the exam,' he said. He also said that when a scribe cancels last-minute or the venue is too far to reach, students often lose the opportunity despite being academically prepared. Speaking about Mr. Mahajan's situation, Mr. Purohit said: 'It's not that they lack academic ability but It's the behaviour of society that disables people.' Dr. Mita Joshi, an Indore-based ophthalmologist who specialises in advanced treatments in treating young adults with visual impairments, explains that once a thorough eye examination is conducted, doctors determine whether the condition is treatable or not, depending on the medical status of the cornea. 'When the condition is found to be untreatable, we categorise the degree of visual impairment. Based on this, a disability certificate is issued, ranging from 50%, 70% to 100% blindness,' she said. Dr. Joshi added that individuals certified with 100% blindness are typically only able to perceive light, without the ability to detect shapes, movements, or any visual cues in front of them. Support measures UGC Chairman, Vineet Joshi, responded to a request for an interview on candidates with disabilities, saying due to 'prior official commitments and important official meetings' he was unable to 'accede to your request.' According to the official information bulletin, candidates can indicate their preferred cities when applying for the UGC NET exam. However, there is no explicit mention of additional considerations during centre allocation for candidates with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired. Both the UGC and NTA guidelines refer to broad provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, including the availability of scribes and compensatory time. Yet, specifics around exam centre proximity, transport challenges, or facilitation on the day of the exam are not mentioned in the publicly available documents. In such situations candidates often rely on informal support systems or self-arrangements to reach exam venues, which may prove difficult, especially in large, traffic-heavy cities or while moving between cities.
