The mayor of Kamloops is disappointed that the province is sticking with the requirement for Uber and Lyft drivers to have a Class 4 licence.

Ken Christian says the province is excluding an entire group of potential drivers looking for some extra income.

“You know I used to have a Class 4 licence, and it becomes a real headache when you turn 60 and you have to get a medical every year attached to your Class 4 licence,” he said. “You have to pay for that, and you have to find a doctor and all that kind of thing, so people generally just give it up.”

“Also I don’t know that statistically it really makes that much difference in terms of accidents, but I’m not privy to all of that data.”

Christian says the silver lining is that ridesharing is coming to B.C., but when that is remains to be seen. He notes that it can be difficult at times to find a taxi in Kamloops, especially when the bars close or when a flight lands at the airport.

“You know, hopefully Uber and Lyft will see this as a market that they can be profitable in and that will be an additional service to Kamloops residents,” Christian added.

The Ministry of Transportation says ride sharing companies will be able to apply to operate on B.C. roads as of September 3.