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B.C. To Launch Undercover Campaign To Police Uber Taxi Alternative

The Canadian Press , 03 Nov, 2014 11:50 AM

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is planning to launch an undercover assault on the alternative taxi service known as Uber.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone says plainclothes transit agents posing as potential customers will be deployed to ensure taxis and their drivers are operating by B.C.'s rules, which are enforced to ensure passenger safety.

The U.S.-based company UberX recently launched its brand, which uses a smartphone app to connect passengers with non-licensed drivers, in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

The company is believed to be planning an expansion into Vancouver, where it has been searching for managers and drivers through postings on its website and on social media.

Stone says taxi operators must obtain proper licences to work in B.C. and those who don't face maximum fines of up to $5,000.

The Opposition New Democrats plan to introduce private members' legislation today calling for increased fines in the taxi industry.

Vancouver's city council passed a motion last month imposing a moratorium on new taxi licences for six months while it studies several issues related to the industry, including services such as Uber.

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