The Special Committee to Review Passenger Directed Vehicles has released its report on a review of taxi and ride-hailing services in B.C.

The committee has made 34 recommendations to ensure effective regulation that works for drivers, companies and passengers, and improves service provision.

This includes improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and services in small, rural and remote communities, as well as enhancing data collection to support evidence-based decision-making.

“Committee members heard from a number of companies, drivers, passengers and experts about some of the challenges with delivering and accessing passenger-directed vehicle services throughout B.C.,” said Mable Elmore, committee chair. “The experiences of persons with disabilities are of particular concern for the committee and we highlight the need to make significant improvements in this area, including driver training, service provision and the administration of accessibility grants.”

Shirley Bond, deputy chair, said: “The committee is grateful to British Columbians with disabilities who shared their personal experiences with us, and how a lack of equitable, reliable and timely service impacts their quality of life. Members also reflected on transportation gaps and challenges in B.C.’s small, rural and remote communities, and how more holistic and creative solutions are required to improve connectivity within and between these communities.”

The special committee was established in May 2023 to undertake a review as required by the Passenger Transportation Act, which governs passenger-directed vehicle services in British Columbia. To inform its work, the committee received briefings from ministries and other public bodies, and held a public consultation where it heard from 66 participants.

More information about the committee’s work, along with its report, can be found online.

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