Ridesharing Could be Further Delayed in BC

The Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) has sent a letter to ridesharing applicants warning them to expect delays in their application being processed. The delays are happening because of a judicial review launched by the taxi industry. The PTB has also modified the application process to give further disclosure to applicants in order to provide transparency.

Part of the process will now include applicants receiving redacted versions of all the application packages minus sensitive, competitive information. This is an example of the Passenger Transportation Board moving the goal posts after applications were already submitted by companies like Uber and Lyft.

PLUS

Surrey Board of Trade Calls on Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council to Guarantee a Regional Business License for Ridesharing Services The Passenger Transportation Board is in the midst of reviewing ridesharing applications. The Province has promised to have ridesharing on the road before Christmas. This seems unlikely with continued layered costs and red tape at each municipality in Metro Vancouver.

“The Surrey Board of Trade calls on the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council to implement a single ridesharing industry licence – an intermunicipal business license model,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “This will remove red tape and unnecessary procurement of separate business licenses for every municipality in Metro Vancouver.”

The Surrey Board of Trade asks Metro Vancouver municipalities to work together to:

1. Develop and implement a Regional Intermunicipal Business Licence program for Metro Vancouver; and

2. Develop education and awareness strategies to ensure that ridesharing businesses members are able to take advantage of the opportunities of such a program to ensure compliance.

“The Surrey Board of Trade believes it is of great importance to have business at the table when business bylaws are developed and improved upon,” said Anita Huberman. “Together we can ensure that the needs of Surrey and our business community are met while minimizing red tape and keeping fees reasonable.”

CONCLUSION ON RIDESHARING

“Surrey needs ridesharing,” stressed Anita Huberman. “Surrey needs transportation options in the face of continued delays for transit infrastructure.”

“Further, the Surrey Board of Trade has also advocated for a level playing field for the taxi industry. Both industries can thrive together. Why must the implementation of ridesharing be so difficult? We’ve been waiting for the past 10 years. How can we attract business to Surrey, to our region, when we are the last urban jurisdiction that is without ridesharing as a transportation option?”