The North Bay Police Service says the Ministry of Transportation has taken over responsibility for regulating rideshare operators, drivers and vehicles in several northeastern communities, including those in the North Bay area.
Officials say it’s because the Northlander Rideshare Pilot Program is now in effect.
They say the one-year pilot program began May 19 and was created to support transportation options for residents travelling to and from Northlander passenger train stops, adding it establishes a single set of provincial requirements along the Northlander corridor.
Back in the spring, the province said some rideshare operators indicated varying requirements across municipalities have created barriers to expanding rideshare services, despite growing demand in small, rural, remote, and northern communities and among vulnerable individuals such as older Ontarians.
Officials add the outcomes of the pilot may inform future policy considerations related to rideshare services in Ontario.
City police say during the pilot, provincial requirements will prevail and replace existing municipal rideshare by-law frameworks in designated communities, including North Bay.
Under the regulation, rideshare drivers must be affiliated with a Ministry of Transportation-approved rideshare operator.
The regulation does not impact the North Bay Police Service Board’s authority to license and regulate taxi cabs, limousines, or their drivers, owners, dispatchers and brokerages.
Police officers can also enforce compliance with the regulation under the Provincial Offences Act and has the authority to direct private drivers to leave Northlander station premises.
