Winnipeg Uber petition gains 700 supporters

CTVNews.ca
Sept. 8, 2016
Shelden Rogers

A petition to bring the Uber ride sharing service to Winnipeg is beginning to gain traction.

Right now the petition has 701 signatures, but organizer Jay Hall said that number is increasing every day.

"It started modestly, I didn't really know what to expect from it, and it ended up now we're over 700 signatures,” said Hall. “Suspect over the weekend we'll be over 1000.”

Uber has been taking over major Canadian cities recently. It’s a ride sharing phone application, that lets passengers choose their driver and location at the touch of a button.

Some people in Winnipeg said it will speed up taxi services in the city, which have been frustrating as of late.

"I'm a big fan of it, in other cities it's done really well. I've had nothing but positive experiences, and heard nothing but the same from friends," said resident Kyle Mccomas.

Uber has certain standards that drivers must meet before they can give anyone a ride – vehicles must pass a safety inspection and drivers have to go through a background check.

Hall said there is also a rating system within the app.

The Taxicab Board of Manitoba is currently conducting a survey, to ensure commuters in Winnipeg get the best service possible.

Hall explained the Pallister government will eventually have to bring Uber to town.

"You're going to have to do it, might as well do it now when you can look like a hero,” he said.