Operating an illegal ride-hailing service in Burnaby puts lives at risk due to unlicensed drivers.
It also gets expensive for the people driving the vehicles.
Passenger Transportation Board efforts, with assistance from the Burnaby RCMP, increased in 2021, with a series of stings this year that have netted more $57,000 in fines. It's like catching fish in a barrel
“Did you know in BC to legally engage in ride hailing you have to meet the criminal record and driving history requirements, have a class 4 driver licence and have your vehicle inspected?” Burnaby RCMP tweeted earlier this year. “All of which is to ensure the safety of passengers and the proper training of drivers.”
It's a good point. We can't have a bunch of rogue drivers rolling around Burnaby putting lives at risk - especially those who possibly can't pass a criminal record check. I hope the people who use these illegal apps realize that someone convicted of a serious crime could be driving them to the airport.
One sting in April saw seven drivers caught engaging in ride hailing using illegal apps and without meeting provincial standards to operate. In all, 24 tickets were issued totaling $13,998 in fines.
The week before saw a sting that led to officers catching seven drivers operating illegal ride-hailing services and issuing 24 tickets for nearly $15,000 in fines.
“We wish to remind those who engage in ride hailing to #staylegal,” tweeted Burnaby RCMP. “Which means having the appropriate licences, criminal record check and inspection.”
This followed seven drivers earlier in March being nailed for 22 tickets totalling more than $13,000. This also follows a February sting in which 10 drivers were caught and 30 tickets totalling more than $15,000 were handed out. Drivers also had their vehicles towed away and impounded.
Burnaby RCMP also teamed up with ICBC and Port Moody police recently to hand out 10 tickets for distracted driving.
The message being sent is for drivers and service providers to meet the standards required to operate a ride-hailing operation in Burnaby.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
