Thirty tickets and almost $18,000 in fines were handed out to illegal ride-hailing drivers in Richmond in recent stings.
Another sting was done a few weeks later, but the city hasn’t compiled the numbers from that one yet, however, “it was also successful in identifying illegal operators,” explained Richmond city spokesperson Clay Adams.
These stings targeting illegal ride-hailing were done by the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB) and Transit Police.
Ride-hailing companies develop apps and hire drivers to use them illegally by providing rides. However, it's the drivers who get fined, not the app-developer.
Adams told the Richmond News the city is doing stings regularly, and will be reporting back to city council’s community safety meeting in the coming weeks.
The News recently tested out the illegal ride-hailing system in Richmond, and two reporters quickly got rides with Raccoon Go and UDI-X, both of which are not permitted to operate in B.C.
Ride-hailing companies must have a permit from the PTB and a valid business licence. They must give monthly updates of every new vehicle operating with their company.
Furthermore, ride-hailing drivers need to have a Class 4 driver’s licence and undergo a vulnerable-persons criminal record check.
