Central Okanagan politicians combine to call out province on ride-sharing rules

KELOWNA – Central Okanagan mayors and other government leaders have signed a letter calling on the province to rethink its rule that drivers for ride hailing services, such as Uber, must have Class 4 drivers licences.

Most B.C. drivers have a Class 5 licence.

“Limiting drivers to only those who hold a minimum of a class 4 licence could greatly limit the viability of ride-hailing as a transportation option in our region and in other areas across the province,” the letter states, in part. “We urge you to reconsider establishing the class 4 commercial licence as the minimum licence class for all Taxi and TNS (Transportation Network Services) drivers.

“Other than some additional training and medical screening, the most significant barriers to holding this licence are the requirement of having to have been a driver in B.C. for two years and the increased time and cost associated with carrying the licence.”

The letter is written on behalf of the Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan. It includes all Central Okanagan municipalities, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan Regional District.

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