Uber hiring operations expert for Waterloo

TheRecord.com
Nov. 11, 2016
Paige Desmond  

With just weeks until Uber is legal here, the company is hiring a city operations expert to help grow business in southwestern Ontario.

The full-time post is based in Waterloo, but will require travel outside Waterloo Region to London, Hamilton, Windsor and Niagara.

Susie Heath, spokesperson for Uber Canada, said Uber is also preparing to meet the new local bylaw regulations.

"We have been working with officials to come into compliance with Waterloo Region's new bylaw," Heath said. "Uber commends Waterloo regional council and staff for joining other Canadian jurisdictions like Niagara Region, Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton in adopting a progressive regulatory framework that embraces ridesharing.

"The new ridesharing rules are good for riders, good for drivers, and foster better transportation options in Waterloo Region."

The Uber expert job involves developing and growing what Uber's calling Greenlight Locations.

There are several experts across Ontario to support operations, providing in-person help for drivers at the Greenlight hubs.

Starting Dec. 1, Uber's efforts to grow its business here will be legal, provided drivers adhere to a host of rules under the Region of Waterloo's new vehicle-for-hire bylaw.

Under the new rules, taxis and ride-hailing services will be allowed to operate in the region subject to meeting conditions for various items, including insurance and vehicle safety.

Staff are expected to review the implementation of the bylaw in one year.

Talk about Uber started in the region in January 2015 and Uber officials first publicly pitched the ride-hailing app to council in March of that year.

Uber launched in July 2015, annoying many local politicians who saw it as a disregard for the rules. What followed was a long, controversial road to the new bylaw and nearly a year delay.

Originally, a new bylaw was to take effect Jan. 1, 2016.