Richmond RCMP cracks down on unlicensed ride-hailing operators

Photo: Richmond RCMP

IN a concerted effort to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of licensed transportation services, the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU), in partnership with the Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB), conducted a targeted enforcement operation on June 13 to identify and apprehend unlicensed ride-hailing operators within the city.

The covert operation, which utilized apps not authorized to operate in British Columbia, led to the identification and interception of several unlicensed drivers who were circumventing regulatory requirements, including background checks and vehicle inspections.

Key results:

  • 25 charges laid: The operation resulted in a total of 25 charges for various infractions including operating without a valid license, using a wrong class driver’s license, and failing to display a valid vehicle inspection certificate.
  • Financial penalties: Each driver faces a cumulative fine of $3,076, totaling $18,458 in fines.This amount excludes additional costs related to towing, storage, and inspection fees.
  • Repeat offenders: Notably, some drivers were repeat offenders. One driver was apprehended for the fourth time since 2021, while another had previously been stopped by Richmond RCMP on May 28.

Specific infractions:

  • Operating without a license under the Passenger Transportation Act: $1,150.
  • Wrong class of driver’s license under the Motor Vehicle Act: $276.
  • Fail to display valid certificate under the Motor Vehicle Act regulations: $357.
  • Operating a business without a license under the City of Richmond business license bylaw: $500.

Sgt. Eric Baskette of the RSU pointed out: “Unlicensed ride-hailing services pose significant risks to public safety due to the lack of proper vetting, including background checks and vehicle inspections. We are warning the public of the inherent risks of using unauthorized apps, which include unlicensed and uninsured drivers.”

He said the RSU remains committed to ensuring that all ride-hailing operators in Richmond adhere to the necessary licensing requirements to provide safe and reliable services to the public. Richmond RCMP will continue to work diligently with regulatory bodies and partner agencies to enforce those standards and protect the community.

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

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