BC's transportation minister says Uber drivers should be ready to pay just as much for insurance as cabbies

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The same week BC’s Attorney General announced ICBC rates are going up, supporters of ride-hailing services have something new to consider.

Uber drivers should be ready to pay just as much for insurance as cabbies.

Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says taxi companies pay premium rates to make sure their customers are safe. “We are not going to be changing ICBC’s way of doing insurance. Passengers can get into a car and know they’re getting from A to B safely.”

She tells us companies looking to cut corners won’t be allowed to operate in this province. “However passengers are transported, insurance is covered and that passenger safety is included in any licensing.”

Trevena adds efforts are being made to make sure bad service providers don’t further drive up the insurance costs of good ICBC customers.

“The people who drive cabs have very steep insurance to pay. We’re not going to make exceptions. When you’re driving a car for hire, people are paying the insurance necessary for carrying a passenger.”

When asked whether she’s had discussions with the people at Uber or other ride-hailing services, Trevena said, “We will obviously be talking about this. We are talking to the taxi industry.”

Uber executives plan to be operating in BC by the end of the year and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver is set to table legislation this fall, but he admits he’s not expecting ride-hailing services to be approved before Christmas.