Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, introduced a private member’s bill “Rideshare Enabling Act” on Feb. 16 to start a conversation.
“The sharing economy exists and it’s going to get bigger,” Weaver said. “Rideshare technology is a part of that new economy and we need to create rules so that these industries don’t operate in a vacuum.”
Ridesharing is when a driver uses his or her personal vehicle to accept a trip request using mobile technology.
“I’m hopeful the government takes a look at the bill I brought forward and realizes that they need to address this situation. They cannot continue to keep their heads in the sand. We need smart regulations that don’t create an unfair market.”
Weaver says the process needs to involve consultation with municipal governments, the BC Taxi Association, and British Columbians across the province.
“Public safety must be a priority as we move forward with ridesharing in this province and to do so we need to legislate certain common standards. We need to ensure that anyone participating as a driver in rideshare technology doesn’t have a criminal record or history of reckless driving. Refusing to discuss the issue is not helping.”