There appears to be a demand for ride-hailing services in B.C., judging by the revelation this week that seven are already operating in B.C., with one reportedly operating in Coquitlam.
This is surprising given the fact that there are as yet no rules governing these businesses but as one operator noted in an explanation to The Tri-City News’ sister paper, the Richmond News, last year, that’s exactly the grey area that allows these firms to operate.
According to the Passenger Transportation Branch, several companies are operating ride-hailing services, including: Longmao, Udi Kuaiche, U Drop, RaccoonGo, GoKabu, Dingdang Carpool and AO Rideshare.
RaccoonGo, developed by an SFU student, apparently operates in Coquitlam, according to a ride share blog.
Taxi owners have already taken a hit as newcomers from the digital economy enter the market. What's going to happen now and when?
The solution may be for the province to get busy and quickly put parameters around such operations so they can provide safe and secure service while also ensuring unfair burdens are not placed on taxi drivers.
Taxi companies will then have to learn how to operate in the new economy just as other businesses — including retail and media companies — have had to adjust.
