The General Manager for Lyft Canada in BC says while Class 4 licensing requirements could limit operations in other parts of the province, the company is prepared to work with potential drivers.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Peter Lukomskyj says his company is hoping to make the process as easy as possible.

“We’re going to be offering education to get people comfortable with getting that Class 4. And we’re going to be providing loyal drivers incentives that will make sure that they’re not out of pocket on any of the costs associated with getting the Class 4,” he said.

“Anybody who wants to drive for us, we want to make that a reality for you.”

Lyft intends to begin operations in Vancouver before the end of this year. And Lukomskyj says while he’s not sure when they will expand to the rest of the province, the company remains committed to servicing all of B.C. as soon as possible.

“Getting the Class 4 licence is something that some people might be nervous about. But in British Columbia we’ve got this regulation at least for the time-being, and what we want to do is make the process of getting a Class 4 licence friction-less for anybody who wants to drive for us.”

Lukomskyj says his biggest job is to figure out how to get sufficient drivers to roll out service to the rest of B.C.

The province will be the first jurisdiction Lyft operates in that mandates Class 4 licenses.