BC GOVERNMENT NEWS - TRANSPORTATION IN BRIEF...

Electric Vehicle Industry Sector News BC companies that are developing new technologies in the electric vehicle sector can apply for $4.18 million in new funding under the Cleanbc Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program. news.gov.bc.ca/22592

Taxi Industry Needs Boundary Elimination, not only Licence Fee Reductions for Survival

In late June, the BC Government reduced the annual renewal fees for commercial operators who hold a Passenger Directed Vehicle Authorization for taxi and limousine operators. The fees were reduced from $100 per vehicle with no overall fee cap to $50 per vehicle with a fee cap of $5,000.

“This relief is welcomed by our taxi industry members,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “But what is needed is to focus on removing archaic government red tape which forces taxis to drive back empty (deadhead) after dropping off passengers in neighbouring municipalities.” businessinsurrey.com/news

Surrey Board of Trade Calls for Federal and Provincial Government Support for Translink

Translink is seeking emergency relief funding from Federal and Provincial Governments to offset losses incurred for providing essential transit services during the pandemic. Without emergency funding, Metro Vancouver commuters are set to see unprecedented cuts to transit services, even during post-pandemic economic recovery.

“Transportation is the foundation of rebuilding an economy and ensuring that our essential service workers have the ability to move throughout the region,” said Anita Huberman. “Transportation is an essential service itself. It should be clear that when the economy reopens Translink needs to be fully operational.” businessinsurrey.com/news