Despite threats, city has yet to issue any fines against Uber drivers

Calgaryherald.com
Oct. 22, 2015
By Trevor Howell

Bylaw officers have yet to issue a single fine against Uber drivers a week after top city officials promised to crackdown and issue hefty fines for anyone caught picking up fares through the ride-sharing service.

The U.S. company launched its app-based uberX service in Calgary last week.

City officials said they were worried about vehicle inspections, driver background checks and inadequate insurance coverage.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi and the city’s top compliance officer, Marc Halat, urged Calgarians to avoid using uberX, which connects riders with freelance drivers using their own vehicles.

Halat said drivers found in violation of the city’s livery bylaw could face fines totalling $4,500. Passengers would not be ticketed, he said.

But seven days later, the city says it has yet to issue any fines against Uber drivers, despite the apparent popularity of the service in Calgary.

“Our primary focus is to find solutions that meet Calgarians desire for a new and enhanced transportation options,” said Carissa Vescio, a spokesperson for the city.

“We can’t share details of our investigative operations at this time,” Vescio said, adding the city continues to work with stakeholders, including Uber, to allow the company to enter Calgary’s market while ensuring the safety of passengers.

Earlier this month, city council directed administration to present a set of options to regulate so-called transportation network companies, like Uber, at the Nov. 16 strategic meeting.

Uber said Thursday that tens of thousands of people signed up and have accessed the app since it launched in Calgary, with 42 per cent of all trips starting or ending outside downtown.

“Last week, we were pleased to start offering Uber ridesharing services in Calgary,” said Ramit Kar, Uber Alberta’s general manager, in an email.

“We are very encouraged by the demand for alternative transportation options that is increasing day after day,” Kar said.

The company said it would fully support its drivers if the city issues any fines.

Ward 8 Coun. Evan Woolley said he fully expects bylaw officers to follow through on the city’s promise to monitor city streets and fine any Uber drivers caught picking up fares.

“I don’t know the degree of difficulty to monitor and enforce that bylaw, but I can’t see it being very difficult,” Woolley said.

“We enforce taxi cab safety by having people take taxi cabs,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but I would assume that if you were going to enforce Uber, you would download the app and book a ride.”

Coun. Ward Sutherland said the city intends to follow through with its enforcement strategy, hinting a crackdown was in the works.

“They are going to proceed and there is a strategy,” Sutherland said. “It will occur.”