Surrey mayor promises hundreds of cabbies there will be no Uber or Lyft in his city

The province’s taxi industry has a key ally in the mayor of Surrey as ridesharing begins to roll out across B.C.

Doug McCallum was met with cheers as he took the stage to speak at a meeting of B.C. taxi drivers who had gathered to vent frustrations at what they say is not a level playing field.

The mayor didn’t disappoint, pledging to keep ridesharing services out of his city. “Every ridesharing company needs to have a business licence to operate in the City of Surrey,” said McCallum. “And I’m telling you today, we will not be issuing any business licences to ridesharing companies in Surrey.” But while McCallum’s pledge might have been good politics, they’re more bark than bite: B.C.’s rules for ridesharing doesn’t give authority to municipalities.

Guest: Linda Annis

Surrey City Councillor

The province’s taxi industry has a key ally in the mayor of Surrey as ridesharing begins to roll out across B.C.

Doug McCallum was met with cheers as he took the stage to speak at a meeting of B.C. taxi drivers who had gathered to vent frustrations at what they say is not a level playing field.

The mayor didn’t disappoint, pledging to keep ridesharing services out of his city. “Every ridesharing company needs to have a business licence to operate in the City of Surrey,” said McCallum. “And I’m telling you today, we will not be issuing any business licences to ridesharing companies in Surrey.” But while McCallum’s pledge might have been good politics, they’re more bark than bite: B.C.’s rules for ridesharing doesn’t give authority to municipalities.

Guest: Linda Annis

Surrey City Councillor