Richmond council was taking a stab at modifying its bylaws on Tuesday to accommodate ride-hailing services, recently introduced by the province.
The bylaw proposals are to have ride-hailing licensed in Richmond the same way as taxis are licensed. Staff is also recommending council lobby the provincial government to address discrepancies between rules for ride-hailing and taxi services.
Unlike taxis, ride-hailing services won’t be restricted within municipal boundaries and there won’t be a limit to how many vehicles they can have in their fleet. However, drivers will be required to have a Class 4 driver’s license and a chauffeur’s permit.
Mohammed Ullah, general manager of Richmond Taxi, told the Richmond News after Tuesday’s committee meeting that the new rules favour ride hailing even though their company has been serving the community since the 1930s.
Ullah said the new rules for ride-hailing are “indirectly” telling them to stop running their taxi business.
“If we can’t survive (as a business), you are telling us we can go,” Ullah said.
Ullah said they were promised a “B.C.-made solution,” and he would just like to see a level playing field for taxis and ride-hailing services.
The report to council notes cities with ride-hailing services have had increased congestion and a decrease in public transit use.
The agenda item is expected to come back to a special committee meeting next Monday.
The new provincial ride-hailing legislation will come into effect on Sept. 16 and the first vehicles are expected later this year.
