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Ridesharing will be coming to B.C. by the end of 2017.
Transportation Minister, Todd Stone, made the announcement on Tuesday, along with the promise of extra funding towards improving the province’s taxi industry.
The province invests in #BC’s taxi industry to prepare for arrival of ride sharing. #yvr #RideSharing #Taxis #BCpoli @TranBC pic.twitter.com/GGdP3UIn9W
— Todd Stone (@toddstonebc) March 7, 2017
"British Columbians have told us that they want ridesharing services and we're moving forward to make it happen,” said Stone. “While we're taking action, we know that many people rely on taxis to support themselves and their families and that's why we're making investments to modernize the taxi industry and create a level playing field."
These investments will include up to $1 million towards developing an app for taxi services across the province.
There will also be $3.5 million invested into crash prevention technology in all B.C. taxis.
Other improvements will include the streamlining of the insurance claim process, reducing tape within the industry, addressing the current taxi shortage and ensuring taxis can pick-up or drop-off anywhere.
@rodmickleburgh having used Uber and taxis in Ottawa, Toronto, Portland, Seattle - I've found Uber way more convenient each time. 1/2
— Stephen Quinn (@GoFour3) March 7, 2017
In addition to those improvements, the province will also require the same safety standards for both taxis and ride-sharing providers in order to protect the public and drivers.
That means Class 4 licenses will be phased out for taxi drivers and both taxi and ride-sharing companies will need to maintain records for their drivers.
For both taxis and ride-sharing companies, drivers will need an unrestricted driver’s license, to pass a criminal record check as well as a safe driving record check.
All drivers will also need to be at least 19 years of age and all vehicles must pass regular mechanical inspections.
More Choice. Increased Safety. Less Red Tape. We're moving forward with a Made in #BC model for ride sharing. #bcpoli @TranBC #yvr
— Todd Stone (@toddstonebc) March 7, 2017
The province will also be implementing the appropriate safeguards to protect consumers through fair and transparent pricing.
Feedback from various parts of the industry identified a fair, regulated and modernized system as the main priorities for the addition of ride-sharing to the market.
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