Uber may be one step closer to setting up shop in Waterloo Region.
Tuesday, the controversial ride-sharing program held two information sessions for interested drivers at a Kitchener hotel.
In a statement, an Uber spokesperson declined to say whether the company is planning an imminent start to local operations.
“This is all part of our ongoing process to continue to explore expansion across the country,” Xavier Van Chau said, calling the sessions “marketing efforts to assess interest for potential partner drivers.”
The Region of Waterloo licenses all taxi services within the region.
Uber first popped onto the region’s radar in mid-2014, when representatives from the company asked for a meeting.
That meeting never took place – because the entire concept of Uber runs contrary to existing bylaws, a region spokesperson said.
Tuesday, regional officials made it clear their position on the service has not changed.
“Regional staff will be meeting with Uber later this week to discuss the region’s concerns,” regional clerk Kris Fletcher said in an email.
“Until we receive either greater clarity and/or additional information from Uber, the region will continue to be concerned.”
Specifically, Fletcher cited concerns around vehicle safety and the safety of rides offered through Uber, as well as inspections of both vehicles and drivers.
Uber has previously advertised positions for local drivers in its Uber-X service.
To be accredited for Uber-X, a driver needs to pass a background check, be over the age of 21 and have an insured four-door sedan.
It’s not clear how many people attended Tuesday’s sessions.
One man arriving at the event told CTV News he was an employee of a local taxi company curious what the Uber representatives had to say.
Another said he was told he would eventually be able to drive for the company, even if the app-based service isn’t currently welcome.
Uber already runs in a number of Canadian cities, matching drivers with passengers and estimating fares before rides are confirmed.
