The Surrey Board of Trade is changing the public narrative for the taxi industry around partnership and innovation.
Their continued advocacy for the past 6 years, in addition to advocating for the ridesharing industry, is to ensure that the taxi industry can participate in the economy on a level playing field.
The Surrey Board of Trade released a petition today to be sent to BC’s Transportation Minister Claire Trevena asking for one priority item:
.@SBofT and taxi companies starting a petition to call for removal of taxi boundaries and allow taxis to pick up and drop off across municipal borders in Metro Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/mmZM1h99Hj
— Jennifer Saltman (@jensaltman) February 25, 2020
“The Surrey Board of Trade is asking for the removal of archaic taxi boundaries and allow the 2,500 taxis in Metro Vancouver to pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Lower Mainland to serve the public better,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
Local taxis, also members of the Surrey Board of Trade, want to compete with ride-hailing companies, but on a level playing field, without any boundaries. This will be true economic action that will improve customer service and be a true transportation choice to move people.
Taxi operators gathering at @SBofT to call for level playing field to compete with ridesharing they say there is inequality right now petition launched to send to province @clairetrevena @anitahuberman @sunshinecabs @CKNW pic.twitter.com/XaJ4UQqwFH
— Janet Brown (@JanetBrown980) February 25, 2020
Currently, government red tape forces taxis to drive back empty (deadhead) after dropping off passengers in neighbouring municipalities. Deadheading leads to inefficient use of taxi fleets, increased congestion, GHG emissions, higher costs, longer wait times for passengers and lower-income for drivers.
INVITATION – PRESS CONFERENCE ON TAXI INDUSTRY
— Anita Huberman (@anitahuberman) February 24, 2020
Taxi Industry Initiative to be Unveiled. The Surrey Board of Trade invites you to attend. February 25, 2020
9:00am – 10:00am - Surrey Board of Trade (#101, 14439-104 Avenue, Surrey, BC) @SBofT @realtorgurdip pic.twitter.com/cqNnpiAqWy