A recent decision will require rideshare drivers to hold a Class 4 license, instead of a Class 5.
In the wake of the B.C. Government announcing it will allow ride-hailing services, like Uber, in September, they have also decided they will not budge on controversial regulations.
A recent decision will require ride-share drivers to hold a Class 4 license, instead of a Class 5.
Kelowna Councillor, Ryan Donn questions whether the change will really add safety to users or if the safety we need is more rides home in the first place.
“If it was Class 5, anyone could apply within a day or two. Versus Class 4, you have to go through a test, you have to take it with the right vehicle, you have to practice with that vehicle, there's a medical expense and an ongoing annual fee,” said Donn.
Currently, the only way home from the Kelowna airport is either a car or a cab.
Donn believes this change could deter Ride-sharing companies from coming to Kelowna and that Class 5 licenses are a more efficient alternative.
“Ride sharing is essentially based on the shared economy, which is basically taking the assets you already own and making a little bit of money off it. It's kind of like Airbnb. Should there be a business in your house? Well it's different than a hotel. So it's every day citizens using the assets they have and the skills they have to make a little extra coin and also support a customer service demand from the public,” said Donn.
Donn explained that bringing ride-hailing services to Kelowna would significantly help people, looking for service during peak volume times.
“We have a supply of taxis, which some would argue is highly insufficient and some would say is totally perfect to maintain a level of income per taxi. So, it depends who you talk to but in most evenings, you cannot get a cab in the middle of the night when people are looking or a safe ride home,” Donn expressed.
Mayor Colin Basran submitted has already submitted comments to the government suggesting they change the license class requirement.
