THE Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) officers on July 24 conducted a joint operation targeting unlicensed ride-hailing operators. This operation focused on identifying and apprehending unlicensed ride-hailing operators in the City of Richmond.
The RSU and CVSE officers used unauthorized ride-hailing apps to book rides with unlicensed operators. These illegal operators bypass necessary background checks and safety protocols mandated by the Province, posing significant risk to public safety.
During the operation, five drivers were found to be operating illegally, and were subsequently charged.
Charges include:
- Operating without a business licence (Passenger Transportation Act0
- No license / wrong class license (Motor Vehicle Act)
- Failure to display valid certificate (Motor Vehicle Act Regulations)
The total fines issued were over $ 11,500. This amount does not include the costs for vehicle towing and storage, which applied to three repeat offenders.
Staff-Sgt. Paula Maan, NCO-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Operations Support, said: “These unlicensed operators pose a risk to the public as they are not complying with mandatory legislative requirements, such as criminal record checks and vehicle licensing. Anyone using these illegal ride-hailing services needs to understand they are putting themselves at risk which is why we will continue to conduct these joint operations with our partners at CVSE.”
This recent operation builds on previous enforcement actions taken in June and July, 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.
