Martensville is joining forces with regional partners to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to modernize its Vehicle for Hire Act, paving the way for ride-share services like Uber to operate across the province under a single license.
The issue was raised during Martensville’s July 15th council meeting by Dillon Shewchuk, the Martensville’s Community Economic Development Manager. Shewchuk explained that while Martensville already created a local framework to allow Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to operate, no company has shown interest in setting up service. By contrast, Saskatoon has had access to ride-share options since 2019.
Under the existing Vehicle for Hire Act, ride-share companies must obtain a separate license in every municipality they wish to serve. This patchwork of licensing and fees creates a significant barrier for smaller communities, which often lack the population base to attract service on their own.
Martensville, with the support of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), initially explored the idea of a regional model similar to one used in the RM of Edenwold, where more than ten municipalities shared one framework; however, conversations with Uber revealed that the company is no longer pursuing agreements with individual municipalities or even regions, they now prefer province-wide licensing for consistency in fees and regulations.
Other provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia, have already adopted province-wide models, making it easier for ride-share services to expand beyond major cities.
A letter, which will be sent to Minister Jeremy Harrison (the Minister responsible for SGI), recommends two key changes to Saskatchewan’s Vehicle for Hire Act:
1. Remove the municipal licensing requirement for ride-share companies, replacing it with a single provincial license issued by a registrar.
2. Allow municipalities to opt out by passing a resolution if they do not want TNCs operating within their boundaries.
Shewchuk emphasized that these changes would open the door for improved transportation options across the Saskatoon region, where residents regularly travel between communities for work, sports, cultural events, and entertainment.
The letter argues that expanded ride-sharing would enhance quality of life, help fill transportation gaps, and support economic growth. It would also create job opportunities and boost tourism by making the Saskatoon region more accessible.
Martensville’s request is also supported by SREDA and other regional partners, who see a province-wide approach as the best way to attract major ride-share providers like Uber.
For now, Martensville residents will continue to rely on existing transportation options, but with growing regional support, the City hopes Saskatchewan will follow the lead of other provinces and open the door to province-wide ride-sharing.
