Four unlicensed ride-hailing operators in Richmond have each been fined a total of nearly $1,800 after a joint police and government operation.
About two weeks ago, Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit teamed up with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Passenger Transportation Enforcement Officers to “disrupt four unlicensed ride-hail operations in the city,” according to police.
Police not naming operators
Police said they couldn’t yet release the names of the apps or operators, but listed a catalogue of infractions, including:
Operating a commercial passenger vehicle without a permit, contrary to the section 57(1) of the BC Passenger Transportation Act ($1150);
Operating a commercial passenger vehicle with the wrong class of drivers license, contrary to section 24(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act ($276); and
Operating a commercial passenger vehicle without a certificate of inspection, contrary to section 25.07(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations ($357).
As well, each of the operators received a Notice and Order requiring an immediate inspection of their vehicle.
One vehicle towed away
Officers removed (towed) one of the vehicles from the scene.
“This was a very successful targeted enforcement project,” said the RCMP’s Cpl. Ian Henderson.
“By coordinating efforts with our counterparts at the Ministry, the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit was able to identify four passenger vehicle operators whose entrepreneurial endeavors were unlicensed, unsafe and unwelcome in our community.”
Safety is the ministry’s highest priority, added Perry Dennis, deputy registrar with the ministry’s Passenger Transportation Branch.
“We have increased our enforcement activities to address illegal ride-hail, and we are stepping up our education of drivers who may not be aware they are working for illegal ride-hail companies, as well as potential passengers of these unlicensed services.”
Anyone with information on unlicensed ride-hailing operations in Richmond is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, or the Ministry’s Passenger Transportation Branch at 604 527-2198 or [email protected].
Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
