Image: An Illegal ride-hailing vehicle is towed away as part of an crackdown targeting illegal ride-hailing operators. / Supplied by RCMP

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

ARRESTS MADE

Illegal ride-hailing operators in Lower Mainland targeted by police

Aug 9, 2024 | 10:21 AM

RICHMOND — The Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) officers conducted a joint operation aimed at unlicensed ride-hailing operators in the City of Richmond recently.

The operation involved RSU and CVSE officers using unauthorized ride-hailing apps to book rides with unlicensed drivers. Authorities say the illegal operators bypass the background checks and safety protocols required by the Province of British Columbia and pose a significant risk to public safety.

Image: Black Toyota stopped with police officer talking to the alleged illegal ride-hailing operator. / Supplied by RCMP

As a result of the operation, five drivers were apprehended and charged with various offenses on July 24. The charges included operating without a business license, driving without a valid license or with the wrong class of license, and failing to display a valid certificate.

The total fines issued exceeded $11,500. Three of the five drivers, identified as repeat offenders, also had their vehicles towed and impounded, incurring additional costs for towing and storage.

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“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,” said Staff Sergeant Paula Maan, NCO-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Operations Support. “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 says the operation builds on previous enforcement operations targeting illegal ride-hailing operators earlier in the summer.