The scale of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Responding to climate change is a significant priority for the B.C. government. 

The Climate Change Accountability Act and 2021 Ministerial Order set the Province’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions target at 27-32% for the transportation sector of the economy by 2030. 

CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, the Province’s climate action plan, sets out the pathways to achieve this target. 

The Clean Transportation Action Plan (CTAP) is a key commitment made under the CleanBC Roadmap. It is expected to be released in 2024 and will identify the next set of actions to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector by 27-32% by 2030.

The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, which further operationalizes the government’s commitment to achieve its GHG reduction targets, requires all motor vehicles sold in B.C. to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2040.

The Board is committed to supporting the government’s climate change priorities through the regulation of the passenger transportation industry. It continues to review its policies and procedures to ensure they support the government’s climate change programs and initiatives. 

Congestion study

The Board has commissioned a traffic congestion study in selected areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, under section 7(1) of the Passenger Transportation Act. 

The study is being undertaken to address concerns over the potential impact of passenger transportation on road congestion, particularly in high-density urban areas like Vancouver. The study is being conducted throughout 2024, with a report anticipated in early 2025. 

The Board industry advisory of August 16, 2023 provides further details.

Eco-friendly taxis

The Board’s eco-friendly taxi policy is a key element of the Board’s approach to address climate change priorities. 

Eco-friendly taxis are already used in many parts of B.C., and this policy is intended to encourage and support increased use of these vehicles throughout the province.

You can read how the Board applies criteria for designating taxis as eco-friendly in the Policy Manual.

Eco-friendly sedans

An “eco-friendly sedan limousine” is a motor vehicle that has 4 passenger doors and a closed body, bears a National Safety Mark or Compliance Label as a passenger car under the Canada Motor Safety Act, and

1. has a wheelbase of not less than 112.0 inches, 
2. is powered by a hybrid of gasoline and electricity, electricity or bio-diesel 
3. has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of not less than $50,000 Canadian, and 
4. the vehicle is not more than 24 months old when the licensee first requests a vehicle identifier from the Registrar. 

Did you know? Rebate and incentive programs

There are several rebate and incentive programs available in B.C. that help the passenger transportation industry to adopt clean technology and support climate change goals. 

Relevant B.C. government initiatives include the following:

• Plug In BC’s CleanBC Go Electric rebate program, which offers up to $4,000 for individuals and up to $3,000 per vehicle for businesses to purchase a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV).

• Plug In BC’s CleanBC Go Electric Fleet Charging Program, which provides Training resources, ZEV Fleet Advisor, and Charging Infrastructure Rebates for fleets that receive electrical service from BC Hydro.

• For fleets that receive electrical service from FortisBC, Plug In BC provides Support for Fleet Assessment, Support for ZEV Infrastructure Assessment, Support for Electrical Infrastructure, Training resources, ZEV Fleet Advisor, and Charging Infrastructure Rebates.

• For fleets installing Level 2 and DC fast charging stations, rebates are available through Plug In BC and the Go Electric Fleet Charging Program to provide financial assistance to design, procure, and install charging infrastructure. Applicants must be pre-approved to receive a rebate. 

• CleanBC Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots program supports businesses looking to deploy commercial ZEVs, including medium and heavy-duty on-road vehicles along with supporting infrastructure. 

• B.C. provincial sales tax are waived for qualifying used electric vehicles until February 22, 2027. 

The Government of Canada also offers the following initiatives:

• Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) rebates (up to $5,000 per vehicle).

• EV Fleet Charging Program rebates (up to $100,000 or 50% of project costs for commercial fleet installations). (Note: this program does not stack with some B.C. programs.) 

• Tax deductions for ZEV purchases.