Ride-sharing law a year away in B.C. as government hires expert to consult
VICTORIA — Ride sharing in British Columbia is at least a year away despite an NDP promise to bring in services like Uber and Lyft by the end of 2017 after the government announced the hiring of a consultant Monday to direct the way forward.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said she understands people want ride-sharing services, but the minority government will not race ahead as its studies ways to ensure safety for passengers and a level playing field for the taxi industry.
“We know that people are impatient for a change in the system,” she said. “We need to move in a sensible way, not a political way, but in a sensible way that respects the industry we have and respects the needs of people in B.C.”
Trevena said the government hired transportation consultant Dan Hara to make recommendations by early next year that will help create a ride-sharing system that modernizes safety regulations and provides more choice and convenience for customers.