Today, the Provincial all-party select standing committee released its unanimous report including 32 recommendations on ride-sharing and the operation of Transportation Network Companies (TNC).
The committee, which was appointed on November 27th, 2017, invited 67 expert witnesses to present at a public hearing or to submit a written recommendation.
“It’s important that any provincial regulatory regime developed takes into account the need for fairness, consumer protections, and workers’ rights in an ever‐changing economy,” said committee chair Bowinn Ma. “Public safety, including appropriate driver screening, vehicle inspections and insurance are paramount.”
Overall, the committee supports a provincial approach to governing TNCs, but is firm in their belief that collecting and monitoring data is a critical aspect. This will ensure all future decisions are data and evidence based.
Liberal, Green parties say ridesharing is ready for 2018
“The recommendations in this report should provide government with a useful guide towards a regulatory regime that all parties can support.” Andrew Weaver, leader of the Green Party said. “Government has all the pieces it needs to move forward. There is no reason why B.C. should not have ride-hailing by the end of the year.”
“The committee unanimously supported a province-wide approach to governing TNCs and highlighted key issues to consider when developing effective ride-hailing legislation,” said Stephanie Cadieux, Deputy Chair of the Committee and MLA for Surrey South. “The NDP now have now excuse to continue their stalling tactics on this issue.”
Here’s what Twitter had to say:
The all-party committee on #ridesharing in BC is releasing their report today. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/8Km8Dhut1H
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) February 15, 2018
Weaver says committee recognized taxi license owners would be hurt, but doesn't think that should stop ride sharing from coming by the end of the year. #bcpoli
— Richard Zussman (@richardzussman) February 15, 2018
Vancouver remains the largest city in North America without access to ride-hailing. Report tabled today by the all-party committee after @AJWVictoriaBC 's private member's bill on ride-hailing last fall. #bcpoli #ridesharing #NewWest https://t.co/LKB4SDy2jT
— Jonina Campbell (@joninacampbell) February 15, 2018
Green Party leader @AJWVictoriaBC, who has championed #ridesharing, says Crown Corp committee's 32 recommendations won't require onerous changes to provincial regulations "just a bit of work" #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/OsDq17Zl8B
— Shannon Waters (@BCTodayOfficial) February 15, 2018