The leader of the BC Green Party says the province should take aggressive action against illegal ride-hailing services operating in B.C.
The Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB) has identified at least seven such services flouting the province’s laws.
The BC Taxi Association says five of them are operating in Richmond, one of which will allegedly only take Chinese passengers.
Illegal operators are subject to a fine of $1,150, and the PTB says $12,650 in fines have been levied so far. But critics say operators treat that as the cost of doing business.
LISTEN: BC Green Party leader on illegal ride-hailing apps
Speaking on CKNW’s The Jon McComb Show, Andrew Weaver said it’s not fair to allow the services to operate while companies such as Uber have played by the rules and stayed on the sidelines.
“If you are doing ride-sharing illegally your car should be seized, and that will put an end to it,” he said.
“It’s no longer the cost of doing business, because you’ve lost your car doing the business.”
Global News has requested comment on enforcement of the illegal services from the PTB and Ministry of Transportation.
Richmond Mayor Malcom Brodie said his city is well aware of the problem, but lacks the tools to meaningfully address it.
“But there are no regulations.”
LISTEN: What is the City of Richmond doing about illegal ride-hailing?
Brodie said it’s his understanding that most of the fines levied against illegal companies haven’t been paid, and said the quickest solution would be to bring in provincial regulations on ride-hailing.
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In the meantime, he said, Richmond is trying to crack down on the rogue operators, but said its power is limited to issues around operating without a business license.
He added the city is playing its enforcement plans close to the vest.
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For Weaver, the solution is far more simple.
An all-party committee on ride-hailing in B.C. will continue to hear expert testimony in Vancouver on Tuesday and Wednesday, and produce a report on the future of the industry by Feb. 15.