Whereas the Province of BC has expressed its intent to create a regulatory framework that permits ride-sharing services and transportation network companies to operate in BC; And whereas the assessment of the possible impacts of allowing new entrants into the passenger transportation field has focused primarily on large urban communities with robust, established, passenger transportation options, which is often not the reality for small, rural, and remote communities where ride-sharing and transportation networking offers uniquely viable solutions in the absence of other options: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to implement a viable, flexible, ride-sharing service regulation in BC with attention given to regulatory solutions that will help solve those passenger transportation challenges that are unique to small, rural, and remote communities.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure As current laws do not accommodate changes in technology and consumer demand, consultations and research are being undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to determine how to modernize the Passenger Transportation Act to allow for expanded service options while creating a level playing field for all passenger transportation service providers in communities across BC. The Ministrys main concern is to ensure the system we put in place will continue to prioritize the provision of safe, fair and accessible passenger transportation. In October 2017, we engaged Dr. Dan Hara of Hara Associates to lead a stakeholder consultation to identify opportunities to modernize passenger transportation legislation to allow taxis to compete on a level playing field with new entrants entering the marketplace. In January 2018, an all-party Standing Committee of MLAs heard from stakeholders and experts on issues including public safety, vehicle insurance, the impact of introducing ride hailing on communities and the concurrent provincial and municipal regulation of the industry. The Ministry understands that people want more options for getting around quickly, safely and affordably. Government is expected to release a report in the spring of 2018 that will include considerations from both the consultation and the Standing Committee reports, with legislative changes anticipated for fall 2018.