City faces major decisions as desire for ride sharing grows

CTVnews.ca
May 8, 2017

A Saskatoon city councilor says the city and taxi companies are going to have to find ways to ensure fair competition with ridesharing organizations like Uber.

Councilor Randy Donauer says taxi companies are going to have to “Uberize” their business and service model to compete in an ever growing internet based transportation environment.

The city’s transportation committee received a report outlining the desire by companies like Uber and Tappcar to enter the Saskatoon market.

People in the taxi industry say allowing ridesharing companies to operate in the city will jeopardize their business because they are bound by city regulations and standards.

But advocates say permitting Uber to move into Saskatoon would create more options to get around, especially during peak periods.

The taxi industry is proposing that the city allow more part-time licenses for drivers to meet peak demand. Councilors say it’s an interesting idea, but recognize the real issue is around making competition fair between companies like Uber and taxis.

Donauer says the city is going to have to look at either loosening regulations for taxi’s, forcing ride sharing companies to operate under similar regulations, or something “in the middle”.

Councilor Cynthia Block floated the idea of allowing taxi companies to operate more like a ridesharing company.  She also says the city should consider whether a local provider could start-up a ridesharing operation in Saskatoon.

A report is expected later this year outlining different policy options.