Need a Lyft? Rideshare service launches in Halifax

A Lyft Inc. light sits on the dashboard of a vehicle in the Time Square neighborhood of New York, U.S., on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. (Source: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg)

A new rideshare service became available to Halifax residents on Wednesday.

Halifax is the first Atlantic Canadian city to introduce Lyft, which currently operates in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The company says it also plans to expand to Saskatchewan soon.

“We’re thrilled to bring the option of Lyft to Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, helping us connect even more Canadians across the country,” said Jeremy Bird, EVP of Global Growth at Lyft, in a news release from the company. “Canada is a key market for us as we expand our international footprint, with rides growing 23% year-over-year this past summer.”

The ride-sharing company, which competes primarily with Uber, is also looking to hire drivers. Nova Scotians who are interested in working for Lyft can complete the application process by downloading the Lyft Driver app or going directly to their website.

Vehicle-for-hire industry

Uber has been operating in the city since December 2020. A bylaw change in the municipality on Nov. 1, 2020 allowed for ride-sharing companies to operate.

On Dec. 8, Halifax Regional Council discussed two major changes to the city’s vehicle-for-hire industry. The proposals came from a staff report that would allow taxi and limousine companies to set their own fares and require ride-hail drivers to obtain licenses in the same way as taxi drivers.

Taxi companies, including Casino Taxi, have been lobbying for these changes, saying flexible fares would help them keep up with rising costs and remain competitive.

“We’ve seen big increases in insurance and fuel prices going up and down,” said Brian Herman, Casino Taxi president, told CTV News.

The main focus of debate was around licensing of ride-hail drivers.

Currently, companies like Uber screen and vet their own drivers through background checks, vulnerable sector checks, child abuse registry checks, and driver abstracts. However, HRM says they have access to that documentation.

Staff are recommending one licensing system for all drivers to create a level playing field.

But Uber Canada spokesperson Jonatha Hamel says their drivers already complete detailed background checks and the move only leads to more “red-tape” or bureaucracy.

Hamel told the transportation committee that HRM can audit them at any time, and they would provide information regarding the license and status of any driver.

The Transportation Committee voted in favour of both recommendations. A final decision now rests with council to be made at a later date.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jesse Thomas.

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