Whereas the Province of BC has created a regulatory framework permitting transportation network services to operate in BC, which provides a passenger transportation option to address the significant public need for vehicles-for-hire and, in turn, reduce impaired driving, improve the ability of seniors and persons with barriers to access needed resources, and stimulate economic development; And whereas the Provinces regulatory framework is so onerous that it effectively prohibits the establishment of transportation network services in small, rural, and remote communities where it has the greatest potential to address areas under served by traditional public transportation options, and has contributed to the proliferation of unregistered transportation network services operating across the province, which poses a safety risk to consumers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests that the Province of BC amends its regulatory framework to establish a transportation network service solution that will enable viable, competitive, and safe services throughout the province, including in small rural and remote communities.
Transportation and Infrastructure The ministry and its government partners continue to support the commercial passenger transportation industry and its members through the COVID-19 recovery period. In September 2019, government brought into force legislation and regulations to modernize the sector and enable ride hail operators within the existing framework overseen by the independent Passenger Transportation Board the Board. The Board is responsible for reviewing and issuing decisions on ride-hail applications and for setting the terms and conditions of licenses for approved operators. The Board has approved 25 ride hail licenses, of which 10 have been approved to operate in Region 4 Okanagan-Kootney-Boundary-Cariboo andor Region 5 North Centralother regions in BC. Under the Passenger Transportation Act, the Legislative Assembly must appoint an all-party special committee on or before July 1, 2023 to review the legislative framework enacted in 2019. The special committee must as part of its review consider whether the Act promotes passenger directed vehicle services, including transportation network services, in small, rural or remote communities. Within one year of its appointment, the special committee must submit a report on its review and in doing so may include any recommendations the committee considers appropriate.