Whereas Clean BC states that the Province will prioritize reducing climate pollution by shifting vehicles, homes, industry and business off burning fossil fuels and toward greater use of clean BC electricity and other renewable energies, with a target of a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas GHG emissions over 2007 levels by 2030; And whereas approximately 40 per cent of GHG emissions in BC are due to vehicles, and shifting to zero-emission vehicles will not only help the provincial and local governments meet GHG emission-reduction targets, but also strengthen the economy, improve air quality and public health, and reduce fuel costs for drivers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to design and implement a BC Clean Kilometre Act for ride hailing fleets transportation network services and taxi fleets passenger directed vehicles that supports the targets set in Clean BC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and requires ride hailing fleets and taxi fleets to reduce their emissions accordingly and that this act be developed in consultation with the ride hailing industry and local government representatives, recognizing there may be differences in regional requirements based on availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The ministry supports the BC governments CleanBC strategy and is committed to significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the Passenger Transportation Act was amended in September 2019, requiring ride hail vehicles to be less than 10 years old. This change is intended to ensure that ride hail vehicles have the most current vehicle safety and fuel efficiency features. Additionally, the Passenger Transportation Board Board has established policies to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles as taxicabs, limousines and shuttle vans. As of May 22, 2020, licensees approved by the Board to expand their taxi fleet in Metro Vancouver or Greater Victoria can only add eco-friendly taxis. The Board may also apply this policy when it approves applications to add taxis in other parts of the province. Further, a special committee will be appointed on or before January 1, 2022 to conduct a review of all passenger directed vehicle services, including ride hail. The committee will also look at the impacts on public transportation, traffic congestion and the environment.