Concerns prompt Orillia mayor to question safety check for taxi, ride-hailing drivers

Uber opted not to operate in Orillia due to requirement for deeper background checks: Clarke

Simcoe.com
April 11, 2019
Frank Matys

A bylaw requiring a deeper degree of safety screening for taxi drivers and ride-hailing services could be getting a second look.

“I wouldn’t even be bringing this forward if I hadn’t heard from so many people on this particular issue,” Mayor Steve Clarke said this week.

Council in 2018 approved a bylaw requiring that drivers with ride-hailing services like Uber undergo vulnerable-sector checks in addition to criminal-background checks, as local cabbies must do when first registering.

Vulnerable-sector screening reveals additional information not included in a regular background check, such as pardons for sexual offences.

Critics at the time argued the added measure was unnecessary, noting that an adult must accompany Uber passengers under 18.

Following the bylaw’s passage, Uber elected not to operate in Orillia, one of just two Ontario communities to require the screening for ride-hailing services (the other is Ottawa).

In the intervening months, Clarke has heard from “an inordinate” number of residents who voiced concerns over lengthy waits for taxis and being left without a ride at night when it may be unsafe to walk home.

“I certainly wouldn’t want anybody deciding to drive home when they shouldn’t be if they couldn’t get a ride,” he said of bar and restaurant patrons who drink.

Clarke has asked staff to explore the feasibility of removing the enhanced screening requirement for drivers with taxi companies and with so-called "transportation network" companies.

“The reason that was stated by Uber for not coming to Orillia was they didn’t want to be burdened by doing a vulnerable-sector check,” he said.

Eliminating the check would “take away that barrier,” said Clarke, stressing that criminal-background checks would still be required.
Committee supported the inquiry, which requires council approval.

At Coun. Ted Emond’s request, the report will also explore options and opportunities for late-night transportation.

That work could potentially include contacting Lyft and other suppliers of web-based transportation, Emond said.

“Personally, I’m not willing to trade off inconvenience for those who use our facilities in the evening for protection for vulnerable people,” he said.

Clarke said that Uber had implemented an in-app emergency assistance button to connect with 911 if a problem arises.