North Bay police have charged an unlicensed rideshare service with 12 offenses following an investigation into illegal transportation operations in the city. The charges were announced on April 27, 2026, and include operating without proper licensing, insurance violations, and failing to meet safety standards.
Investigation Details
Authorities began probing the service after receiving complaints from passengers and licensed taxi operators. Police say the unlicensed driver was picking up passengers for fares without the required municipal permits or vehicle inspections. The service was found to be operating through a mobile app, similar to legitimate rideshare platforms, but without adhering to local regulations.
Charges Laid
The driver faces a total of 12 charges under the City of North Bay's licensing bylaw and the Highway Traffic Act. These include operating a vehicle for hire without a license, failing to maintain proper insurance, and using an unregistered vehicle. The penalties could result in fines and potential court appearances.
Police emphasize that unlicensed rideshare services pose risks to passengers, as drivers and vehicles are not subject to the same safety checks as licensed operators. They urge residents to use only authorized transportation services to ensure their safety and compliance with the law.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing whether other individuals or companies may be involved in similar unlicensed operations in the region.
