The proposed ride-hailing Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) that is supported by virtually all of Mayors’ Council takes a major step forward in addressing the unfair advantage that ride-hailing companies currently have over taxi companies.

The following was approved almost unanimously by the Mayors’ Council:

Endorse the principles and framework for establishing and administering an interim Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL);

Urge municipalities within Region 1 to adopt the associated interim IMBL bylaw as quickly as possible;

Urge municipalities within Region 1 to harmonize existing municipal fees on taxicabs with the fees proposed in the IMBL for ride-hailing;

Urge the province and Passenger Transportation Board to level the playing field between taxis and transportation network services (TNS) by reviewing taxi boundaries, fleet caps and insurance requirements, and ensuring TNSs provide accessible services for customers in mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.

By having a single ride-hailing business licence for the region, this will eliminate duplication, confusion, and waste of time and money for both those issuing and seeking a licence.

Another benefit of this regional approach is the Mayors’ Council’s recognition that rides do not start nor end solely within Metro Vancouver.

This is why we are proposing to have the IMBL encompass ride-hailing from the Fraser Valley through Metro Vancouver and along the Sea to Sky Corridor of Squamish, Whistler and beyond.

I have not budged from my position that a level playing field must be in place for ride-hailing and taxi companies to compete in. My fight is about ensuring fair competition in a highly regulated industry.

The IMBL approved by the Mayors’ Council today levels the playing field and it has my support. I now urge the province and the Passenger Transportation Board to do their part to establish equity for those employed in the vehicle for hire industry by reviewing taxi boundaries, fleet caps, insurance requirements, and ensuring ride-hailing vehicles provide accessible services for customers of all abilities.