
Hours-long waiting times for frustrated air passengers eventually convinced the airport authorities to change course, and Uber can now be hired from the Montreal and Quebec City airports. In Quebec, Uber was also excluded from picking up passengers at airports. The government also proposes to give exclusive rights to taxi drivers to be hired by phone or from the curb, which goes against the idea of a level playing field. Yet Uber and Lyft already have similar rules, since they’re good for business, so why include these rules in a new law? It makes sense at first glance to require drivers to be at least 19 years of age, to pass a safe-driving record check and to have their vehicle inspected regularly. Other proposed measures are less praiseworthy. Opening cross-municipal rides to all is also a good idea, as it increases competition by helping supply adjust to demand, and reduces the inefficiency of taxis bringing a passenger to another jurisdiction and coming back empty. One example: B.C.’s proposed phasing out of Class 4 licences for taxi drivers instead of requiring ride-for-hire drivers to incur higher costs to get them, as the Quebec government has done. Instead, why not re-examine current rules in order to make them leaner and less costly, which will translate into lower prices for consumers?

Quebec tried to do this by imposing new fees and regulations on the new operators, but this only leads to higher costs for clients and a reduction in mutually advantageous exchanges. could probably learn a few lessons on what not to do from us Easterners.įirst, it’s important to create as level a playing field as possible between taxis and their new competition. Quebec went through a similar transition last year, and Uber is now operating legally here in la belle province, but judging from the turmoil we went through, B.C. However, the government has also decided to introduce some questionable reforms and offer financial support to the taxi industry. Drivers will also benefit, as it will be easier for them to work during the periods that suit them best, in terms of demand and their own personal preferences.

This is great news, as more competition will certainly lead to an improvement in the availability, quality and convenience of rides for clients. The B.C. government has announced that it will soon be breaking up the taxi-industry monopoly by allowing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the province.
