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The rationale was that an independent body would remove politics from the process. The NDP government faces public pressure to approve Uber and Lyft, but also promised to protect the traditional taxi sector in the last election and is reliant on taxi drivers for votes in key Surrey ridings.

Both ride-hailing companies and taxi associations appear as confused as the public as to the delays.

“There is dead silence,” added Carolyn Bauer, spokesperson for the Vancouver Taxi Association. “No one is getting any information. Nothing at all.”

Uber is also mystified.

“We are respecting the PTB process and look forward to making our app available as soon as possible,” said Michael van Hemmen, the company’s B.C. manager.

The taxi association continues to lobby the Transportation Board to put in a 2,500-licence cap on ride-hailing vehicles to match the 2,500 taxis in Metro Vancouver, as well as to ban what it calls “predatory pricing” from big companies like Uber and Lyft.

The board decided in August not to put a cap on ride-hailing licences, sparking several NDP cabinet ministers to express public concern and Transportation Minister Claire Trevena to write a letter expressing disappointment.

Horgan said this week his government has tried to suggest action from the Transportation Board, while respecting its independence.

“We’ve been doing what’s appropriate nudging for an independent agency,” said the premier. “We have done, I believe, everything we can to make this as open and transparent as possible for the existing industry, and also for the travelling public. And when it gets done, it will be done in a year after that and you won’t be asking me why it took so long.”

Not good enough, say the Opposition Liberals.

“The public is frustrated,” said Johal. “And for the premier to wash his hands of this and say he’s frustrated — look, you set up this process, this is on you and your government.”

rshaw@postmedia.com

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