Majority of Calgarians want Uber back on city streets, finds poll
85% of respondents to online survey support the reintroduction of ride-hailing app

CBC.ca
Nov. 25, 2016
Dave Dormer

A majority of Calgarians — especially young people — want to see Uber back on city streets, according to an Insights West poll commissioned by Uber, released on Friday.

The online survey of Calgary residents found 85 per cent of respondents support the reintroduction of Uber to the city, including 93 per cent of those aged 18-to-34.

Support falls slightly among older respondents, with 84 per cent of 35- to 54-year-olds in support and 77 per cent of those aged 55 and older. Single people were also 92 per cent in favour.

"Clearly, Calgarians are very supportive of Uber's return to Calgary," said Mario Canseco, vice-president of public affairs at Insights West.

"In today's tough economic conditions, Uber is regarded as a positive presence for both riders and drivers."

The ride-hailing company that allows drivers to use their personal vehicles to ferry people around for a fee initially launched in Calgary — illegally — in October 2015.

The city obtained an injunction in November 2015 and the company agreed to cease operations in Calgary while new rules are hashed out to allow ride-booking companies to operate on city streets.

Earlier this year, the city announced a new bylaw had been crafted — requiring the company to pay $1,753 a year to the city, along with $220 per driver and require police background checks. However, Uber officials said the rules are too onerous for them to operate.

The study was conducted with 527 adult Calgary residents from Nov. 17-18. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/-4.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

City council is set to vote on Monday on a new fee structure and online application process, which could lure Uber back to Calgary.