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Crackdown on unlicensed ride-hailing operators continues

Richmond

2024-07-25 11:15 PDT

In a continued effort to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of licensed transportation services, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU), in collaboration with the Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB), conducted a targeted Joint Forces Operation (JFO) on July 15 and 16, 2024. This operation focused on identifying and apprehending unlicensed ride-hailing operators in the City of Richmond.

Two police vehicles with lights on sandwiching a vehicle while two officers conduct vehicle check

Operation overview

Over the two-day operation, RSU officers and PTB members used unauthorized ride-hailing apps to book rides with unlicensed operators. These apps bypass necessary background checks and safety protocols mandated by the Province of British Columbia, posing significant risks to public safety.

Key results:

Seven drivers apprehended: During the operation, seven drivers were found to be operating illegally, and were subsequently charged.

Charges included:

Operating without a business license (Sec. 57(1) Passenger Transportation Act)
No license/wrong class license (Sec. 24(1) Motor Vehicle Act)
Failure to display valid certificate (Sec. 25.07(1) Motor Vehicle Act Regulations)

All seven drivers were additionally charged under the City of Richmond Business License Bylaw #7360 for operating a business without a license.

The total fines issued over the two-day event amounted to $14,641. This amount does not include the costs for vehicle towing and storage, which applied to two repeat offenders.

Two Richmond RCMP officers conducting vehicle check in parking lot

Statement from Corporal Peter Somerville, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit:

Ensuring that all ride-hailing operators are properly licensed and vetted is essential for the safety of our community. Unlicensed operators not only violate regulations but also jeopardize the well-being of passengers. Our ongoing efforts are aimed at maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance in Richmond’s transportation services, a crucial component of overall road safety.

Richmond RCMP remains dedicated to proactive enforcement and collaboration with regulatory partners. This recent operation builds on previous enforcement actions taken in June, which similarly targeted illegal ride-hailing activities.

For more information about approved ride-hailing services and operators, visit the Passenger Transportation Registry: Approved Ride-Hail Companies.

Richmond RCMP officer conducting vehicle check on white car