Poll Positions

Last fall, the B.C. government tabled legislation that opens the door for ridehailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to enter the market in 2019. The proposed legislation includes rules requiring drivers to obtain a Class 4 commercial driver's licence and special insurance. It also enables the Passenger Transportation Board to set fares and the number of licences and boundaries where ride-hailing services can operate.

In November, Mustel Group asked 300 B.C. residents if they support or oppose allowing ride-hailing services to operate in B.C. and how they feel about the NDP government's approach to introducing them. Support for ride-hailing is broad– 83.2 percent of the population supports introducing ride-hailing to B.C.– but only 54.2 percent like the regulatory approach. Strong supporters of ride-hailing are even more critical of the proposed regulations: just 43.9 percent are in favour. “The public is eager to have ride-hailing introduced but has concerns about the way it is being introduced,” explains principal Evi Mustel. “While many think the government is taking prudent measures to protect consumers and the taxi industry, there is concern that the legislation is too restrictive.” n