Ridesharing has been growing in popularity and has expanded across Canada into multiple cities. After years of waiting, rideshare services are finally running in Saskatoon! They bring a welcome alternative to taxis and public transportation to the city, as well as an income opportunity for those who want to operate as a rideshare driver. Uber, Lyft, and other companies connect people seeking a ride with an affiliated driver via a mobile app. Once a ride-seeker requests a ride, a driver will pick them up and transport them to their destination for a fare.
For those who are interested in driving for a rideshare company, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Rules vary between rideshare companies on what cars, crossovers, and trucks can be used. Most companies will require that your vehicle is a newer model, has no cosmetic damage, and has 4 doors. Each company will have its own set of standards for their drivers and their vehicles which can be found on their websites. As a driver, you will have to adhere to the rules of the company you’re affiliated with, as well as the regulations set out by Saskatchewan’s ride-share legislation.
Provincial Regulations for Ride-Share Drivers & Vehicles:
- A driver is required to pass a criminal record check annually.
- A driver must hold either a commercial Class 1-4 licence, or a regular Class 5 licence.
- Drivers who only hold a Class 5 licence must maintain a safe driving record, have no impaired driving suspensions in the last 10 years, be an experienced driver, and have 2 years post-GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) driving experience in Canada.
- Drivers cannot offer, solicit, or accept offers to provide transportation except through the rideshare company they’re affiliated with. Transporting illegal passengers can void your insurance.
- A driver must have basic plate coverage on their vehicle when operating as rideshare driver.
- Vehicles used for ridesharing must be inspected annually.
- Rideshare vehicles must be Class LV (Light Vehicle).
- A vehicle must have a rideshare indicator on its certificate of registration to be used for ridesharing (the rideshare company who has hired you will notify SGI who will add the indicator to the certificate).
- Vehicles must display decals of the rideshare company they’re affiliated with when operating on their behalf. Decals are provided by the company who hired you.
Provincial Regulations for Rideshare Companies:
- A company must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage for all affiliated drivers and vehicles (the company’s insurance covers the driver and vehicle when being used to offer rideshare services; otherwise, the driver’s personal insurance is in effect).
- A company must ensure their affiliated drivers meet all requirements to be a rideshare driver in Saskatchewan.
- A company must ensure their drivers vehicles meet all requirements to be used for ridesharing.
- A company must provide decals to their affiliated drivers for display when in service.
- A company must ensure the company and its drivers comply with The Vehicles For Hire Act and related regulations.
Saskatchewan allows ride-sharing companies to operate in municipalities that approve them. It’s up to each municipality to create their own by-laws to regulate companies and drivers in addition to the provincial rules. Saskatoon’s by-laws allowing ridesharing were approved by city council and are now in effect.
Saskatoon Regulations for Rideshare Drivers:
- Drivers must obtain a vulnerable sector check annually in addition to a criminal record check.
- Drivers have the same behaviour expectations as taxi drivers and have the same requirements to provide service once dispatched.
Saskatoon Regulations for Rideshare Companies:
- A company must pay an annual licence fee based on the amount of affiliated vehicles operating in the city.
- A company must pay monthly payments of per trip fees.
- A company must charge a base fare of $3.75; taxis have the same base fare.
- A company must disclose the first name of the driver; and the make, model, colour, and license plate of the vehicle to the customer at the time they request a ride.
- A company must let a customer track the location and route of the vehicle when they’re a passenger.
For more information on Saskatchewan’s provincial legislation, visit sgi.sk.ca/rideshare.
For more information on Saskatoon’s bylaws, visit: saskatoon.ca/vehiclesforhire.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice.
© 2019 Rayner Agencies Ltd. All rights reserved.
