'I do not support ride-hailing': Surrey mayor warns of effect on taxi industry

In an open letter to the premier, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallumcriticized new provincial regulations for ride-hailing operators saying they will create an unlevel playing field for the province's taxi industry.

"I do not support ride-hailing," McCallumwrote to Premier John Horgan.

"This lack of regulation will negatively impact the environment and increase congestion. It will also negatively impact the existing taxi industry that has loyally served Metro Vancouver's residents for decades," wrote McCallum.

The Passenger Transportation Board announced on Aug.19 there will be no initial limits on fleet sizefor ride hailing companies, but a capcould be imposed later if congestion becomes an issue.

Ride-hailing companies will also have larger operating areas, unlike Lower Mainland taxi companies, whichhave geographic restrictions on which passengers they can serve based on which municipality they belong to.

"These new regulations would allow ride-hailing companies the ability to pick up across boundaries, while the taxi industry must abide by limits," wrote McCallum.

McCallum's comments echo arguments from the taxi industry. The Vancouver Taxi Association said last week the new rules were not in the public interest.

Surrey Coun. Linda Annisspoke out against the mayor's stance on Wednesday.

"Frankly, the best thing governments can do in this industry is get out of the way, rather than regulating things well past the point of common sense. Just ask anyone who's been stranded waiting for a taxi or who has been refused a cab late at night," Annis wrote in a statement.

"The public are so far ahead of government on this issue because common sense says we should have had ride hailing years ago, just like the rest of the world," she continued.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has said he supports limits on ride-hailing.

Ride hailing legislation will come into effect Sept.3, when the Passenger Transportation Board will begin accepting applications.