Uber presents details of one-year pilot project in Quebec

GlobalNews.ca
Oct. 31, 2016
Matt Grillo

Uber said it is scared it will lose drivers in Quebec because of “restrictive and complex” regulations in the province.

Company representatives said this as it presented the details of their one-year pilot project Monday morning.

Some of these include:

• Drivers must obtain a class 4C license before Dec. 1.
• Vehicles will need to be inspected by a certified mechanic.
• Drivers must have criminal background checks performed.
• A Uber sticker must be displayed on the back window of their car while online.
• Drivers must be able to speak French.

Drivers will have a grace period to complete all of the requirements by Dec.1.

The Quebec government will also be collecting a portion of the money earned from each ride.

Jean-Nicolas Guillemette, Uber Quebec’s general manager, said an obligation for drivers to obtain one particular type of permit is a barrier, especially for drivers who want to work fewer hours a week.

Many Uber drivers work part-time.

Guillemette said he doesn’t know how many drivers might leave the company.

If Uber Quebec drivers total more than 100,000 hours of service in one week the provincial government will receive $1.33 per ride.

They will be charged $1.17 per ride if the hours of service total between 50,000 and 100,000 in a week.

A 97-cent charge will be handed down if the hours of service are under 50,000.

The taxi industry previously tried to stop the project by legal means but a judge ruled in September there were no compelling reasons to prevent Uber from proceeding with it.

The pilot project has been in effect since Oct. 23.