Crackdown continues on Illegal ride-hailing operations in Richmond; Resulting in over $ 11,500.00 in fines issued

Richmond

2024-08-09 08:48 PDT

On July 24, 2024 Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) officers conducted a joint operation targeting unlicensed ride-hailing operators. This operation focused on identifying and apprehending unlicensed ride-hailing operators in the City of Richmond.

View larger image: Vehicle attached to a tow truck with the tow truck driver standing next to it

Operation overview

RSU and CVSE officers used unauthorized ride-hailing apps to book rides with unlicensed operators. These illegal operators bypass necessary background checks and safety protocols mandated by the Province of British Columbia, posing significant risk to public safety.

Key results:

Five drivers were apprehended; During the operation, five drivers were found to be operating illegally, and were subsequently charged.

Charges include:

• Operating without a business licence (Sec. 57(1) Passenger Transportation Act0
• No license/wrong class license (sec. 24(1) Motor Vehicle Act0
• Failure to display valid certificate (Sec. 25.07(1) Motor Vehicle Act Regulations)

The total fines issued were over $ 11,500.00. This amount does not include the costs for vehicle towing and storage, which applied to three repeat offenders.

View larger image: Black Toyota stopped with police officer talking to the driver

Statement from Staff Sergeant Paula Maan, NCO-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Operations Support

These unlicensed operators pose a risk to the public as they are not complying with mandatory legislative requirements, such as criminal record checks and vehicle licensing, says S/Sgt. Paula Maan, Anyone using these illegal ride-hailing services needs to understand they are putting themselves at risk which is why we will continue to conduct these joint operations with our partners at CVSE.

Richmond RCMP remains dedicated to proactive enforcement and collaboration with regulatory partners. This recent operation builds on previous enforcement actions taken in June and July, which similarly targeted illegal ride-hailing activities.

For more information about approved ride-hailing services and operators, visit the Passenger Transportation Registry: Approved Ride-Hail Companies.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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