Delta Coun. Lois Jackson wants more public input and accountability when it comes to ride-hailing companies.
On Monday night, the former mayor will be bringing forward a notice of motion at Delta council calling for the City of Delta to oppose the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board’s operational policy for ride-hailing companies.
Jackson is also asking that Delta write to the PTB requesting that the policy be withdrawn and that the PTB facilitates a comprehensive, fulsome, public consultation process within B.C's municipalities so that residents can provide their views regarding terms, restrictions and requirements that should be included in operating licences that are issued to ride-hailing firms by the PTB.
If these motions are passed by Delta, Jackson then wants to see an emergency motion submitted for discussion at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention which starts Sept. 23 in Vancouver.
At least one councillor is opposed to Jackson’s motion.
In an email to the Optimist, Coun. Dylan Kruger said he will be opposing the motion on behalf of every frustrated Delta resident who has been passed up by a taxi because they “lived too far away,” or because they wanted to pay with credit instead of cash.
“Ridesharing has been shown to reduce impaired driving, reduce reliance on owning a personal car, and generally increase transportation options in communities - especially suburbs,” said Kruger. “British Columbia is the only major jurisdiction in North America that does not have legalized ride-sharing. Frankly, it's an embarrassment.”
Jackson’s notice of motion comes just days after Mayor George Harvie expressed concern over the recent PTB ruling.
Harvie said ride-hailing will hurt families whose livelihood depends on the taxi industry.
“All drivers and taxi owners should earn decent wages, have improved service, and be on a level playing field,” said Harvie in a letter to Premier John Horgan. “There is also a need to adequately address the service needs of people with disabilities that require wheelchair accessible transportation.
“I urge the Passenger Transportation Board to review its decision and ensure both ride-hailing companies and the taxi industry be subject to the same regulations and restrictions.”
Members of the Vancouver Taxi Association and B.C. Taxi Association last week met with staff from the premier’s office and Ministry of Transportation to voice their anger over recently introduced ride-hailing regulations. The PTB released recommended policies on boundaries and pricing. The taxi associations are complaining about a lack of a level playing field, including insurance requirements for taxis compared to ride-hailing companies, as well as no cap on the size of ride-hailing fleets.
The board divided the province into five operating areas for ride-hailing. Existing boundaries for taxis will remain. The province is pointing out there will be a requirement for a Class-4 driver’s license for ride-hailing drivers.
Uber and Lyft already stated their plans to enter the Metro Vancouver market.
Also conveying concerns “with massive traffic gridlocks at the George Massey Tunnel on a daily basis” which could be made worse, Harvie wants to meet the premier and Transportation Minister Claire Trevena at UBCM to discuss the issue.
“As mayor, I want to ensure that there are no barriers to Delta residents getting home at any time. I will support any solution that answers my concerns about Delta residents getting home safely, which is not the case right now.”
Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is also opposed, saying the rules will negatively impact the existing taxi industry.
-with files from Sandor Gyarmati
