The city of Edmonton on Thursday published a proposed Vehicle for Hire bylaw that takes controversial ride sharing service Uber into account. A council meeting has been set for November 17 to discuss the proposals.
Uber has been operating illegally in Edmonton since January, but in the face of consumer demand for the service, Edmonton has been looking for a way to make Uber legal and accountable. The key proposals in the bylaw call for Uber drivers to have specific commercial insurance policies and licensing, something which Uber has fought against.
Shortly after the proposed bylaw was published, Uber released a statement saying: “Unfortunately, City staff’s proposed revisions to the bylaw would force Uber to shut down in Edmonton. We are hopeful City Council will consider amendments that will keep ridesharing in the city as is desired by the vast majority of Edmontonians. We are starting a public awareness campaign on this issue asking local residents to reach out to their elected representatives to voice their support for expanded transportation options and smart regulatory solutions.”
Although Uber wasn't specific about the proposals it has an issue with, Insurance Business Canada understands that the company thinks the proposed rates for insurance and licensing are too high and will put many of its drivers, which sign up on a part time or casual basis, off.
The motion to make Uber legal has also not gone down well with the local taxi driver community, which are protesting the loss of business to a service they feel isn't regulated as strictly as licensed taxi driving.
The last time the bylaw proposals were debated in council chambers, in September, a protest rally by the taxi drivers got a little out of hand. Edmonton council is laying on special security for the November 17 meeting to help keep the peace.
