Lyft warns BC on path towards less affordable and reliable ridesharing

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – When BC finally gets ridesharing, don’t expect it to be the same type of ridesharing as you’ve enjoyed in other major cities.

That’s coming from one of the biggest rideshare operators: Lyft.

At the seventh annual TractionForce 2019 in Vancouver, Lyft Canada’s managing director said requiring drivers to have a Class 4 commercial licence and not just a regular Class 5 drivers licence would make it nearly impossible for Lyft to operate “real ridesharing in BC.”

RELATED: Will B.C. have ridesharing by the end of the year?

“Standing on the stage at a leading tech conference, it’s almost hard to believe the reality that Vancouver remains one of the largest cities in Canada without ridesharing,” said Aaron Zifkin.

“Based on the Minister’s public comments, BC is not on track for real ridesharing. A Class 4 licencing requirement would result in a far less robust and effective system and make it nearly impossible for Lyft to operate real ridesharing in BC.”

Requiring drivers to have a Class 4 licence was in the province’s ridesharing legislation introduced last fall. An all-party committee looking into bringing ridesharing to BC recommended a Class 5 licence in a report earlier this year, but Transportation Minister Claire Trevena has stood by the Class 4 requirement amid criticism from the BC Liberals, saying it would make the service safer.

RELATED: Province not budging on licence requirements for ridesharing

A Class 4 commercial licence is the same licence taxi drivers are required to have.

In a news release following Zifkin’s comments, Lyft said a Class 4 requirement would force potential rideshare drivers to take a written and road test that’s similar to the ones already taken to get a Class 5 licence.

“Creates a barrier for people to become Lyft drivers, 91% of whom drive fewer than 20 hours per week,” says the release.

WATCH: Province-wide ridesharing unlikely for 2019

“Data recently released by ICBC shows no statistical significance between the safety of Class 4 taxi drivers and Class 5 drivers. Fewer drivers means a less affordable and reliable service – two factors greatly needed from new mobility options in BC.”

Zifkin said Lyft will continue to work with all levels of government in hopes of operating “real ridesharing” in the province.

Trevena has previously said she’s confident ridehailing will come to BC by the end of the year.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story stated that the all-party committee looking into ridesharing recommended a Class 4 licence. In fact, they recommended a Class 5 licence.