The provincial government says it’s issued 23 fines and more than 20 cease-and-desist orders to B.C. drivers accused of violating ride-hailing regulations.
While most eyes are focused on services like Uber and Lyft, which don’t currently operate in B.C., on Monday (January 29) the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure turned its attention to less-known apps.
It’s warning drivers the Passenger Transportation Board is investigating and penalizing drivers operating services through Longmao, Udi Kuaiche, U Drop, RaccoonGo, GoKabu, Dingdang Carpool and AO Rideshare.
The province said these companies have been recruiting drivers to operate their personal vehicles as commercial passenger vehicles, which have different regulatory requirements.
“It is the driver, not the app companies, that are operating illegally and are subject to penalties and fines of $1,150,” the province said in a statement.
“These drivers are subject to possible further sanctions for not disclosing the commercial use of their vehicles to lease and insurance providers.”
In October 2017, the BC NDP backtracked on a campaign promise to introduce ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft by the end of the year.
Instead, Transportation Minister Claire Trevena ordered an expert review of ride-hailing services and the taxi industry, expected to be completed early this year.
Despite no existing regulatory framework for ride-hailing services, Uber is laying the groundwork for expanding its brand in the city.
Last month it launched its food-delivery service, UberEATS, in select Vancouver neighbourhoods.
The launch of the delivery service allows Uber to recruit potential drivers to transport food before regulations are introduced to transport people.
