Calgary inches closer to allowing Uber into high-end cab market with proposed bylaw changes

Calgaryherald.com
Sept. 30, 2015
By Trevor Howell

Calgary moved a step closer Wednesday to opening up the city’s high-end livery industry to companies like Uber Black when a committee approved bylaw amendments to ease the rules around limousines and luxury sedans.

“There’s a transportation revolution happening in Calgary,” said Coun. Evan Woolley, one of four councillors on the community and protective services committee who supported the amendments.

“We need to adapt and negotiate what is an inevitable transition in how people get around, or we can come kicking and screaming,” Woolley said.

City staff and the Taxi and Limousine Livery Committee proposed removing a 30-minute pre-arrangement requirement, slashing the minimum fare rate from nearly $85 to $25, and expanding the types of vehicles considered a luxury sedan or limo.

Calgary moved a step closer Wednesday to opening up the city’s high-end livery industry to companies like Uber Black when a committee approved bylaw amendments to ease the rules around limousines and luxury sedans.

“There’s a transportation revolution happening in Calgary,” said Coun. Evan Woolley, one of four councillors on the community and protective services committee who supported the amendments.

“We need to adapt and negotiate what is an inevitable transition in how people get around, or we can come kicking and screaming,” Woolley said.

City staff and the Taxi and Limousine Livery Committee proposed removing a 30-minute pre-arrangement requirement, slashing the minimum fare rate from nearly $85 to $25, and expanding the types of vehicles considered a luxury sedan or limo.