Waterloo Region's new Taxi By-law should be approved in August

570news.com
June 9, 2016
By Leah Johansen

After what seemed like a love/hate relationship it looks like local taxi companies and Uber are working to co-exist.

We should now see a fair and flexible rate structure for both traditional taxis and app based companies, and all drivers going through background checks with Waterloo Regional Police.

Waterloo Region’s Licensing and Hearings Committee has reviewed final recommendations and are now working to put together a final Taxi By-law.

However, there is still one major issue that hasn’t been resolved.

Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky tells 570 News the decision whether or not to have cameras in vehicles has been deferred until August.

“I think over the next two and a half months we’ll be having discussions with all aspects of it including Taxi’s, Uber, other ride sharing services as well. Just to make sure that the By-law, when we have it come out, it will work for everyone.”

A local Uber driver in Kitchener says his only concern is the hefty price tag that comes along with vehicle cameras.

“Most of the Uber drivers do part-time and we don’t earn that much. And the guy that was talking about 12 to 1,500 hundred (dollars), that’s a lot of money to spend on a camera.”

Bill Chester, President with Waterloo Region Taxi Alliance says local companies have adapted and are now open to having Uber operate throughout the region.

“About a year ago when they came in here and stormed the scene, we weren’t impressed and we weren’t happy’ says Chester. “We’ve accustomed to it, and we’re realizing now, that they’re going to be tightly regulated with licensing, and regulation with police clearance checks, so we’re happy.”

Recommendations will also see Uber drivers identify themselves with a decal or sign, new licensing ratios and limits that will be reviewed every three years, and a fair fee structure.

The final Taxi By-law is scheduled to be passed at the Regional Council meeting in August with implementation set for October 1st.