Nearly $7,000 in fines issued to illegal ride-hailing operators in Richmond

Illegal ride-hailing operators were targeted in a joint operation that resulted in fines totalling nearly $7,000.

The operation by BC passenger transportation officers, Richmond Bylaw, and Richmond RCMP took place on June 16.

“Three violators were caught and issued three violation tickets totalling $6,899,” said the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in a statement to Daily Hive.

On top of those fines, Richmond Bylaw issued three fines of $450 each for not having a business licence, and the RCMP also issued a $200 fine for driving without consideration.

One vehicle was towed from the scene.

The BC Ministry of Transportation adds that these sorts of illegal ride-hailing operations put passengers in danger. The ministry did not name the companies or individuals that were caught in the operation.

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“Drivers for these companies do not undergo the same safety checks as drivers for legally operating companies.”

The ministry is advising passengers to do some research before booking a trip with a ride-hailing company and ensuring they book through a licensed operator.

One of the main takeaways is to “never hail a ride-hail vehicle from the street.”

There are currently 25 ride-hailing operators in the province, and BC lists all of the approved operators on this website, along with a list of things to look for to make sure you’re in a legally operating vehicle.