The legal groundwork has been laid by the provincial government to allow Uber and other rideshare companies into Saskatchewan.

The Vehicles for Hire Act, which was read for the first time in Legislature today, set out requirements for drivers looking to perform the ridesharing service.

SGI's executive vice president, Earl Cameron, said the Brad Wall government is listening to the residents of the province by moving forward with the legislation.

"The public has said they would like to have more options for public transportation and some of the legislation that were are changing prevented that," Cameron said. "That's why we're doing it and we just believe it's one more tool or option for people who need a safe ride home."

If passed through the Legislature, SGI hopes it will help decrease the amount of drinking and driving in the province.

"Our concern in this is that people make wise choices, just like they do now - or hopefully do now - and this will give them one more option," Cameron added.

Municipalities would then be in charge of regulating it within their own jurisdiction by creating bylaws.

Included in the requirements are each driver must have a mandatory criminal record check and secure a Class 4 driver's licence.

Each company that wishes to operate in Saskatchewan must have written evidence filed with proof of a liability insurance policy with a minimum limit of $1 million, and the company must also insure every vehicle used to provide service under The Automobile Accident Insurance Act.