My statement on government’s ridesharing (non) announcement
In response to today’s government announcement concerning ridesharing, I issued the media statement reproduced below.
I am very disappointed that the government will not keep its promise to bring ridesharing to British Columbians by the end of this year. As I note in my statement, the creative economy and innovation are the future of our province. We cannot be tech innovators if we’re not willing to embrace innovation.
Media Statement
Weaver statement on government’s ridesharing announcement
For immediate release
October 16, 2017
VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, responded to the government’s announcement that it anticipates it will bring legislative changes to enable ridesharing in Fall 2018.
“I am very disappointed that the government will not keep its promise to bring ridesharing to British Columbians by the end of this year,” said Weaver.
“It has been five years since ridesharing was first introduced into B.C. There have since been reports that ridesharing companies are operating without proper oversight, regulation and insurance. Further, all three parties agreed to bring in ridesharing in the last election and have now had significant time to consult stakeholders and assess the various ramifications of regulating this industry in British Columbia.
“The creative economy and innovation are the future of our province. We cannot be tech innovators if we’re not willing to embrace innovation. As new technologies emerge, government should proactively examine the evidence and openly debate the issue in a timely manner so that we do not fall behind the curve.
“On Thursday, for the third time, I will introduce legislation that will enable ridesharing to finally operate in a regulated fashion in B.C. I hope both parties will take this opportunity to engage in a substantive debate on the details of this issue so that we can move past rhetoric and vague statements and finally get to work delivering for British Columbians.”
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Media contact
Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary
+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@leg.bc.ca
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3 Comments
How can you even call yourself a green party member if you are for traffic congestion increase and reduction in public transportation? Ridesharing causes more problems than it solves. Have you even looked into independent studies or are you just going by what Uber is telling you? https://qz.com/1103247/uber-and-lyft-services-may-increase-road-congestion-as-people-decide-to-ride-not-walk/
Andrew Weaver is the most honest person in politics today, he says what he will do and do what he says- common sense and fulfilling your promises are paramount in dealing with issues today. The cab companies have a strangle hold on this type of service and the service is horrible for the consumer. Inaction on uber will just drive more and more business underground, so fill your boots government – be niave – people will figure it out without you participating
The Transportation Minister stated she had not read the report that was done for Vancouver. So shouldn’t she do that first. How many promises have they failed on todate.