The path to a legalized Uber service in Waterloo Region was laid out Tuesday, as regional councillors debated how to fit the ridesharer into the existing framework of the local taxi industry.
Councillors were presented with proposed changes to the current taxi licensing framework, which would maintain the cap of 384 licences to own taxicabs in the region – while also permitting Uber drivers, with no maximum number specified.
“I don’t think either Uber or the taxi industry will be totally happy with everything in the bylaw,” Coun. Jane Mitchell, who chairs the region’s licensing and hearing committee, said in an interview.
“There something for everyone to dislike, and something for everyone to like.”
Uber arrived in Waterloo Region in late July.
Earlier this week, one taxi driver told CTV News that he hadn’t noticed a drop in business levels.
Where Uber has harmed the local taxi industry is in its workforce, as eight taxi drivers have left their employers to drive for Uber instead.
Specifics of the draft bylaw, which will be presented to taxi drivers, Uber representatives and member of the public for their comments, include requirements for Uber drivers to pay for licences, installed GPS and recording systems in their vehicles, and carry a $2-million commercial liability insurance policy.
In an email to CTV News, a representative for Uber said that the company was “encouraged” by Tuesday’s news.
“The Region of Waterloo can be a leader in Canada by developing smart regulations for ridesharing, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them,” the email read.
Uber drivers will also have to keep some sort of visible identification in their vehicle while carrying passengers.
While Mitchell said she was happy with the rules as laid out Tuesday, she would still prefer to see the province adopt an Ontario-wide framework for taxis and ridesharers.
