Mothers Against Drunk Driving joins push for ride-hailing this year
Posted October 23, 2017 1:39 pm.
Last Updated October 23, 2017 2:26 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There’s more pressure on the BC government to approve ride-hailing services before the busy holiday season.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is the latest group suggesting it can be done. Tracy Crawford with MADD Canada says nothing’s really changed since the New Democrats, Greens and Liberals all promised to let companies such as Uber and Lyft operate in the province by the end of this year.
“We really want to urge the elected leaders to work together to introduce regulations that will pave the way for ride-sharing services in BC,” she says.
“Having safe, convenient and accessible transportation is really critical, especially as we’re heading into the holiday season. Other than taxis and public transportation and limo services and designated drivers, ride-sharing is a complement to that. So if somebody is out, they’re not stranded and they’re also not going to make that choice to take their vehicle home.”
It isn’t the first time MADD Canada has asked for this, but Crawford hopes it’s the last.
“The reason we haven’t been as vocal previously is we really wanted to make sure that some of the unresolved issues around the driver insurance coverages were discussed and is definitely part of the ride-sharing program. And we want to make sure that the ride-sharing companies are held up to the same standards as other organizations.”
Crawford says impaired drivers cause more than 20 per cent of all fatal crashes in BC and research shows those statistics have improved in areas where ride-hailing services are allowed.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says he’s expecting more temporary cab licenses to be approved in time for the holidays.
