Businesses tell B.C. government to put the pedal to the metal on Uber

GlobalNews.ca
Oct. 4, 2016
Matt Humphrey 

Businesses across Vancouver are putting pressure on Christy Clark’s Government to allow ride-sharing programs like Uber.

The Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBT) is calling on the government to also change existing traffic passenger regulations and promote competitiveness in the taxi industry.

After conducting a survey, the GVBT found 80 per cent of participants want to see the province change its regulations and allow ride-sharing in B.C.

The organization says updating taxi industry regulation is also necessary, so the taxis can compete with companies like Lyft and Uber, who offer convenient apps to customers.

Vancouver hasn’t adopted ride-sharing programs like many other Canadian cities, largely in part to push back from the city’s taxi industry. However public pressure continues to bring Uber into the discussion for municipalities.

Ride-sharing was on the agenda at the annual Union of BC Municipalities in Victoria late September. While there, municipal governments had a chance to discuss the best way to influence and shape ride-sharing in B.C. However, the province has yet to give a date on when a regulation decision will be made, or what it will look like.

The business association also wants ICBC to create insurance programs for both taxi and ride-sharing programs.