Abbotsford city council will ask the province to make sure any rules governing ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft provide measures for public safety.
The province had asked municipalities for input as it crafts legislation to regulate drivers who operate through online apps like Uber.
The city’s Transportation Advisory Committee had previously heard from taxi industry representatives who asked for a “level playing field” with regards to licencing and insurance requirements, as well as rules to protect the public.
Uber, meanwhile, told the committee they provided a valuable service.
The Abbotsford Police Department said it supported the application but wanted to make sure safety rules would be included.
Coun. Les Barkman said he had used Uber for three weeks while in the Phillipines and said the service would provide another transportation option for residents.
Coun. Moe Gill, meanwhile, said he doesn’t want to see taxi operators who spend thousands obtaining licences to take a hit from such services.
Mayor Henry Braun said the concerns would be included in the letter sent to the province supporting the establishment of a “framework” to regulate Uber and other services.