N.S. Tories Will Propose Bill To Accommodate Ride-Sharing Services Like Lyft, Uber
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s opposition party will introduce a bill later this month making it easier for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the province.
Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston revealed the plan at his party’s annual general meeting over the weekend.
“Nova Scotia should enjoy the same market advances as the rest of the world,” Houston later said in a press release. “We have a vibrant province with world-class amenities, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t add ride-sharing to our cities and towns.”
The PC’s proposed law would create a new category of license for ride-hailing drivers. It would require them to pass a criminal record check every two years, hold a valid Class 5 license for at least three years, and complete a “rigorous” training program that covers safe driving, conflict resolution, and diversity training.
These rules, Houston said, are in line with similar rules introduced in Prince Edward Island late last year. He said they will remove roadblocks currently facing ride-hailing drivers, paving the way for Uber, Lyft, and other companies to hit the streets in Nova Scotia.
“Safety of passengers and the public must be the driving force above all else and we can learn from other jurisdictions while we modernize our Province,” he said. “Ridesharing alternatives have the potential to offer tremendous benefit to rural areas where they may have limited transportation options. Making transportation easier and more accessible is always a good thing.”
Since the PC party is currently in opposition, however, Houston’s proposed law won’t go anywhere unless it gets at least some support from the governing Liberal party.
Despite that, efforts to bring ride-hailing companies to the province continue to pick up speed.
Last month, Halifax city council took a major step when it gave the green light to city staff to prepare rules that would allow ride-hailing companies into the city.
Staff’s report on the issue is expected to come back before council in the coming months.