By Canadian Press

Ride-hailing in Vancouver experiences growing pains, detours to courts

Jan 29, 2020 | 12:21 PM

Ride-hailing is common in many major Canadian cities, but the long-awaited arrival of Uber and Lyft in Metro Vancouver last week has produced lawsuits and a vow by Surrey’s mayor to keep the companies’ drivers off the streets.

Premier John Horgan says competition brings challenges but the government developed safeguards to ensure a level playing field for taxi firms and companies like Uber and Lyft.

He says Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum should listen to the wishes of local residents who want free market competition for transportation services.

Michael van Hemmen, Uber’s spokesman for Western Canada, says the company has filed an injunction application in British Columbia Supreme Court to prevent Surrey from issuing fines to its drivers in the city.

But Uber is not the only organization going to court, as the Vancouver Taxi Association has filed petitions alleging unfairness towards the taxi industry and calling for a halt to ride-hailing services.

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

2h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: North Shore BIA working hard to develop a 'happening place'

8h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says the government spent two years developing legislation and regulations in advance of ride-hailing licences being approved by the province’s independent Passenger Transportation Board.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2020.

The Canadian Press