Rideshare technology has to be discussed, says B.C. Green Party leader

A bill was introduced in the BC Legislature on Monday to do with ridesharing in the province.

Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head introduced The Rideshare Enabling Act.

“The sharing economy exists and it’s going to get bigger,” said Weaver.

“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.”

Weaver said his private member’s bill was brought forward as a way to start a conversation about what the legislation needs to be in the province when it comes to sharing rides. Governments across Canada have embraced ridesharing to increase transportation options, encourage less people to own personal cars, reduce impaired driving and to create more income opportunities.

This past February Alberta committed to approving a new ridesharing insurance product by July 1. Edmonton recently became the first city to adopt a unique ridesharing regulation with a new bylaw called “Vehicle-for-hire”.

“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,” explained Weaver.

“I’m hopeful the government takes a look at the bill I brought forward and realizes that they need to address this situation soon and cannot continue to keep their heads in the sand. We need smart regulations that don’t create an unfair market.”

Intensive consultations will happen next with municipal governments, the BC Taxi Association and British Columbians across the province.