Dear Ridesharing Now for BC Coalition Members,
As you know, the legislative committee has asked, among others, Lyft and Uber to present on January 30 and January 31. In order to support the efforts of those coalition members testifying and continue to draw attention to the need for true ridesharing in British Columbia, we would ask that over the next few days you post variations of the below messages to keep the drumbeat going!
We have also commissioned a poll on ridesharing which is available here. As we expect to receive some media inquiries this week, we will be reaching out to many of you as inquiries roll in.
For background, there are four main areas which continue to cause concern for the implementation of true ridesharing in BC: caps on the number of vehicles, licensing and safety, boundaries, and price controls.
Caps
The concept of caps relates to the number of fleets or number of cars that a company can legally have on the road at any time. If the government put in place caps on ridesharing, that means the province is essentially creating another taxi system. This negates all the benefits of ridesharing, making transportation equity even further from a reality.
We already have a supply and demand problem with taxis. The fact the gov wants to cap ride sharing will do nothing to fill the gap in the current system. We’ve seen this story before and know how it ends. Why would capping #ridesharing end any differently? #bcpoli
Licensing and Safety
The province is currently looking at restrictions that would place unnecessary barriers for ridesharing drivers by requiring a Class 4 drivers license. Anything above a Class 5 license requirement is inequitable and undermines the intentions of ridesharing opportunities for drivers. Ride-sharing isn’t meant for full-time drivers. It is meant to solve first-mile/last-mile transit problems by allowing people to share their vehicle and make extra money.
#Ridesharing is by the community for the community: drivers are students earning extra income to pay for books and single mothers putting food on the table. Requiring a Class 4 license misses the point and limits the # of drivers available when demand is the highest. #bcpoli
It’s about transparency and safety. With ridesharing I know who my driver is, the route, and the price before I even get into the vehicle. I can even share this with a loved one while on my trip. Safety has always been at the core of why #ridesharing works. #bcpoli
Boundaries
Ridesharing is an important option for underserved routes and communities. Implementing boundaries will not solve any of the current issues and perpetuate the already growing transportation challenges in our communities.
As there are currently many geographic service gaps with taxis, #ridesharing should be seen as a solution to this problem. Boundaries for ridesharing would defeat the purpose and continue to limit transportation options. #bcpoli
Not everyone lives close to BCs expanding transportation network. #Ridesharing connects our transportation systems and our communities so everyone can access equitable transportation. We need ridesharing now! #bcpoli
Price Controls
Ridesharing is a way for everyday citizens to safely and securely use an existing asset to supplement their income. Pricing is dynamic with real ridesharing which enables more transportation options on the road at critical times – and also encourages more than one passenger to share the cost and cut down on congestion and emissions. Incentive pricing is critical for real ridesharing and allows part time drivers to benefit and contribute to more transportation equity.
British Columbians want transportation options that will allow people to get to work quickly and get home responsibly after a night out, and they want the economic opportunities #ridesharing will provide for drivers and local businesses. #bcpoli
Nicole Brassard
Consultant
Global Public Affairs
W (604) 630-1065
C (604) 240-5788
moc.cilbuplabolg@drassarbn