Uber to meet youth before key debate

LFPress.com
July 15, 2016
Norman DeBono

Uber is turning to London’s youth.

An official with the ride-sharing program is meeting Monday with the London Youth Advisory Council.

The meeting is a day before city politicians debate proposed new rules for taxis and private vehicles for hire that would draw Uber under city regulation and make it more costly for the company to operate in the city.

“I would say there is a lot of support, but some still have reservations,” Kayley MacGregor, council director for the youth advisory council, said Friday of Uber.

“I would say support is not unanimous. We may not make a decision.”

Chris Shafer, policy manager for Uber Canada, will meet with the 15-member council.

MacGregor said Shafer asked the London Youth Advisory Council for help last year when it launched in London.

“He asked for a letter of support, which we did not give. There were a lot of questions about how it would work,” she said.

Uber has strong support among youths and students because it’s cheaper than traditional cabs, and cellphone based.

“I like it. It’s very easy to use if you have a smart phone and a credit card,” MacGregor said.

Uber officials couldn’t be reached Friday for comment.

On Tuesday, members of city council’s community and protective services committee will discuss a report by city staff that calls for one bylaw and category for traditional taxis and personal vehicles for hire such as Uber to level the playing field between the two.

Changes would include drivers being able to reduce fares, but not increase them above a set maximum rate. Uber drivers would need commercial insurance and cameras installed in their vehicles. They also would be subject to licensing, as taxi drivers now are. The city would drop requirements for English testing, medical exams and vehicle emergency lights.

The youth council is not an advisory committee to city council but it does send reports to council on youth issues.