For many years now, companies like Uber and Lyft have tried to enter British Columbia without success. These companies, referred to as Transportation Network Services (TNS), have been long sought out for by the citizens in the province. Current services are taxis, which are regulated by boundaries and fares, are rarely balance in supply and demand.

In the latest report on TNS in the province, recently published by the Committee on Crown Corporations, we can find an analysis of current services available. MFRE Professor Sumeet Gulati was constantly cited, particularly in the recommendations section. The recommendation he was cited included the following:
 

• The boundaries should be eliminated for taxis and TNS.
• Use the help of apps and dynamic pricing to balance supply.
• Require class 4 license as a barrier of entry for TNS.
• Use a real-time rating system to increase service quality.
• Having a minimum per-trip price that is greater than the cost of public transport.

This report will now be passed to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia as an enquiry for TNS in the province. Hopefully, we will see improvements in transportation services in BC.

Read the full report on Transportation Network Services here. Additionally, you can read more about Dr. Gulati and his research interests here.