Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are one step closer to reality in Saint John and its surrounding areas.
Council approved the city’s new ridesharing bylaw on Monday night.
It comes after amendments to New Brunswick’s Motor Vehicles Act in 2020 that would see ridesharing companies offer services to municipalities with proper bylaws.
The city is now reaching out to neighbouring areas like Quispamsis and Rothesay to create similar bylaws.
That’s because, according to current provincial rules, rideshare drivers cannot pick up or drop off passengers in neighbouring municipalities — unless those communities also have a similar bylaw in place.
Quispamsis Council Member Noah Donovan brought the motion forward during Tuesday’s meeting, saying that ridesharing would be a valuable amenity given the region’s shortage of transportation options.
“I believe it would be prudent to allow staff to review this bylaw and come forward with more information.”
Council approved the motion unanimously by council, making Quispamsis the third city in New Brunswick to explore or allow ridesharing services. It is now up to staff to come back with a draft bylaw.
The City of Fredericton first adopted a ridesharing bylaw in 2019, but no companies are currently operating.