It’s been a little over two weeks since Uber launched in Waterloo Region.
The app-based ridesharing service still doesn’t have permission to operate locally, although a new bylaw to regulate it is expected to come before councillors on Tuesday.
In most communities where Uber has set up shop, taxi drivers have taken united action against the service.
That’s happening in Waterloo Region as well, with drivers planning a protest rally for Wednesday.
But has Uber’s arrival lightened the pocketbooks of the region’s cabbies? Perhaps not.
“I haven’t really noticed a change yet,” Rob Heinbecker, a driver for Waterloo Taxi, said in an email.
“I think they’re having trouble making an impact.”
Heinbecker admits that summer is traditionally a slower season for the taxi industry, and says it might not be until November that a clearer picture of Uber’s impact can be painted.
The one area where an impact has been felt is in the number of people driving the local taxi fleet.
Eight taxi drivers have left their positions after deciding to drive for Uber instead.
“You have to choose one or the other. You can’t work for them and work for us at the same time,” Heinbecker said.
Sukhraj Sidhu is one of the drivers who left taxis behind.
He says he likes that Uber doesn’t take as big a cut out of his fares as taxi companies do.
He also likes being able to set his own hours – and not having a financial barrier preventing him from being his own boss.
“If anybody wants to own a cab, they have to spend like $300,000,” he said.
