All those seeking to provide commercial passenger transportation services in Metro Vancouver, or anywhere in B.C., must respect the current regulatory and legal system in British Columbia.

New “ride hail” services and passenger transportation options cannot operate at the expense of passenger and driver safety.

Several companies operating under the names Longmao, Udi Kuaiche, U Drop, RaccoonGo, GoKabu, Dingdang Carpool and AO Rideshare have developed ride-sourcing apps. These companies have been recruiting drivers to operate their personal vehicles as commercial passenger-directed vehicles on the Lower Mainland.

It is important that drivers providing commercial transportation services through these social media apps understand they are assuming all of the risk related to providing the service. It is the driver, not the app companies, that are operating illegally and are subject to penalties and fines of $1,150. These drivers are subject to possible further sanctions for not disclosing the commercial use of their vehicles to lease and insurance providers.

Passengers must know that when they hail a ride in a vehicle through these apps, they are choosing to take a trip in a vehicle that has not been licensed to operate legally in British Columbia. Current provincial and municipal regulatory requirements include:

• a regular, government-approved safety inspection of the vehicle;
• insurance that will cover the carrying of paying passengers; and
• a police background check for drivers.

The Passenger Transportation Branch continues to investigate and issue penalties to these operators. To date, over 20 cease-and-desist orders have been issued and 23 fines of $1,150 have been given to drivers identified as operating without a licence.

If you have questions or concerns, or want to make a report about these services, please contact the Passenger Transportation Branch at 604 527-2198, or email: passengertransportationbr@gov.bc.ca