The Surrey Board of Trade is praising the provincial government for its Tuesday announcement that it will bring forward ride-sharing regulations for companies like Uber.
In a release, the provincial government said it plans to introduce a series of improvements to help the taxi industry “modernize and remain competitive” in anticipation of ride-sharing services coming to B.C. by next Christmas.
Assuming, of course, that the Liberal government is re-elected in May.
“Today’s announcement to move towards creating a framework for a single licensing regime, review of insurance programming and room for additional feedback and consultation is a good step towards creating more transportation options for B.C. residents,” said Anita Huberman, CEO of Surrey Board of Trade, in a release.
“The taxi industry is over-regulated and new business models of transportation are expanding globally. B.C. needs to introduce ride-sharing legislation and remove red tape on our taxi industry to improve transportation affordability and flexibility,” she added.
The SBoT sent policy recommendations to the B.C. government last year, urging them to come forward with ride-sharing regulations and establish rules for safety and consumer protection.
It appears that’s what the government plans to do.
A number of improvements are promised, including a $1 million investment in an app to allow the public to hail and pay for a taxi with a smartphone, a $3.5 million investment in the taxi sector to install “crash avoidance technology” as well as streamlining ICBC claims.
The government says taxis will retain exclusive rights to be hired by phone, at a taxi stand or flagged down at the curb.
Additionally, the province says it will require the same safety standards for both taxi and ride-sharing providers, including having an unrestricted licence and passing a criminal and safe driving record check.
“British Columbians have told us that they want ride-sharing services, and we’re moving forward to make it happen,” said Peter Fassbender, minister of community, sport and cultural development and minister responsible for TransLink. “While we’re taking action, we know that many people rely on taxis to support themselves and their families. That’s why we’re making investments to modernize the taxi industry and create a level playing field.”
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Taxi Association told radio station News1130 it will “use every available legal and political means available to us to fight this unfair government initiative.”
