Alberta Government to regulate ride-for-hire services like Uber

Government approved insurance is coming for the rideshare giant

Metronews.ca
Feb. 29, 2016

Rideshare regulation just got a little more interesting.

The provincial government is making a move to pursue their own set of rules when it comes to for-hire vehicles. Brian Mason announced Monday the government is taking steps towards legislation for Alberta.

“Our plan ensures customers who use ride-for-hire services are safe, that the people who transport have the necessary skills and knowledge, and that there is insurance in place in the event of an accident,” said Mason in a prepared statement.

In the province there currently isn't much rideshare action. Edmonton has Uber and TapCar while Calgary drove Uber away after setting regulations the company called "unworkable."

According to the government's release, work will start on the following:

• Insurance: by July 1, an interim insurance product that will provide adequate coverage to Uber drivers and their passengers will be in place. The interim insurance framework has been approved by the Superintendent of Insurance.
• Licensing: all ride-for-hire drivers, including Uber, will continue to require Class 4 Driver Licences or better.
• Police Checks: regulations will be amended to require all ride-for-hire drivers to have a police information check conducted by police.