Delta votes down motion aimed at stopping rideshare from operating in city

The City of Delta has voted against a motion that, had it been passed, could have seen the ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft not be allowed to operate within city limits.

Brought forward during city council’s regular meeting on Monday, the motion – introduced by city councillor Lois Jackson– was struck down by a vote of 5-1.

Jackson’s motion argued against several of the rules and regulations included in the BC Passenger Transit Board (PTB)’s operational policy.

“If implemented, [the policy] will allow ride-hailing firms to compete against British Columbia’s taxi companies… without having to comply with the same onerous restrictions and requirements that the PTB requires taxi companies to comply with,” it stated.

See also:

• Delta to vote on motion to suspend introducing ridesharing in BC
• Surrey mayor wants to stop rideshare in his city, but he has no authority
• Surrey Mayor says he “doesn’t support” ride-hailing in BC 

In a statement on Tuesday, Delta Mayor George Harvie spoke about the defeated motion.

“I am in full support of ride hailing,” he said. “The motion brought forward… would have sought to stop the roll out of ride hailing services, and as the Mayor, I cannot support any motion that is detrimental to Delta families.”

That being said, the city noted it does want to ensure that regulations for both ride hailing companies and taxis are “fair and equitable.”

As such, Harvey said he will be sending a letter to BC Premier John Horgan, as well as the the Minister of Transportation, and the Passenger Transportation Board, to ask them to “to establish a level playing field for the taxi industry during the roll out of ride hailing services.”

Harvey’s goal, he added, “is to ensure that all Delta residents have access to safe and effective transportation services. ”