Sudbury residents sound off on transportation network companies like Uber

CBC.ca
Jan. 21, 2016

Some Sudburians say the city should welcome transportation network companies like Uber - a phone app that facilitates people arranging rides in their area.

During a public meeting Wednesday night, Sudbury software developer Jean-Francois Poulin said he's seen people drive home after drinking because they were not able to get a taxi or city bus.

He said he thinks transportation network companies like Uber would provide another option for a safe ride home. He said he's not happy with taxi service in the city and want another option.

"I've already called the taxi company on multiple occasions and have been either promised a taxi and not have a taxi show up on time or at all, or even not have been able to get through to a taxi company."

Poulin added that many people in the city are already doing ridesharing through Facebook and Kijiji.

Cab drivers say they're concerned that Uber is not required to meet the same safety regulations as taxis.

Ken Flinn, who owns Lockerby Taxi in Sudbury calls Uber a "mounted attack" against cab drivers.

If the city permits the service, Uber drivers and their cars should be regulated the same way taxis are, he said. And that includes proper insurance, screening of cab drivers, and regulation of pricing.

"We as the taxi industry service the community. And we pay taxes within this community. We support jobs and we support the public," Flinn said.

"Uber takes everything and puts nothing back into the community."

He noted that Uber could end up being extremely expensive. The pricing might start low but, because it isn't regulated, prices could increase if demand spikes.

The public feedback will go into a report that will be presented to council in the next few months.

People can also express their opinions in a survey on the city's website until Jan. 24.