Internet-based ride-hail services such as Uber or Lyft should be treated the same as taxis, Victoria city hall staff are recommending.
A report going to councillors today says Uber or Lyft vehicles seem to meet the definition of a taxi in the city’s Vehicles for Hire Bylaw as “a motor vehicle which is used in the conveyance of passengers for hire.”
Ride hail services such as Uber and Lyft are not operating in B.C. But the province is seeking local government input as part of its process to develop regulations for such businesses.
According to the report, the main requirements in order to be issued a taxi licence in Victoria are:
• The operator must have a Class 4 licence and commercial vehicle insurance with a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance.
• They must have a PT Number on vehicle insurance forms indicating a licence approved by the Passenger Transportation Board.
• They must have a national Safety Code certificate.
• Once documentation is in place, an applicant must undergo a police background check.
Through ride-hail services, passengers call for a ride using an Internet app and then “share” the ride for a fee. The services have gained popularity in many centres as an alternative to conventional taxis.
But the Victoria staff report says they are essentially the same as taxis.
“Because ride-share services, despite how they are procured, are essentially the same as any other regulated transportation service, it is difficult to establish rationale that would support an approach for them to be regulated in a different way, or not to be regulated at all,” says the staff report.
“A consistent regulatory approach would establish a level field for businesses in the passenger transportation industry and provide the expected degree of consistency and security for the public utilizing services.”
Coun. Geoff Young said he likes the flexibility a service like Uber can provide, such as variable pricing.
“But at the same time, we have regulations about taxi driver criminal record checks and safety of driving for very good reasons.
“If we make the taxis adhere to those, I think it’s reasonable to make other drivers adhere to them.”
Coun. Ben Isitt has already endorsed the notion of treating the ride-hail services the same as taxis.
It’s no secret Uber would like to set up shop in B.C. — especially in Vancouver — which Uber describes as the largest North American city without a ride service like the one it offers.
In April, Uber held information sessions for prospective drivers in a number of B.C. cities, including Victoria, Kelowna, Vancouver and Surrey. A company spokesperson described the meetings as an opportunity for residents to learn about its service and its benefits.
But the company says it will wait as the provincial government consults municipalities, taxi companies and other stakeholders while coming up with a B.C. policy.
