The Minimum Time Charge is a legally binding pricing regulation set by the BC Passenger Transportation Board stating that all limousine services must be billed in increments of no less than one full hour. This statutory restriction ensures that luxury limousine operators do not engage in direct market competition with local taxi companies or ride-hailing apps by performing short, metered point-to-point hops. Under Rule 18, a licensee can choose to establish a corporate minimum time charge that is longer than one hour—such as a mandatory three-hour minimum for proms or weddings—provided the client is explicitly informed of this policy before completing the formal contract. This minimum charge protects operators by ensuring that vehicle preparation, cleaning, and dispatch logistics remain financially viable for every booking executed within the province.
