City receives legal letter from taxi company

As of last week the city still hadn't reported any tickets to Uber drivers and won't do so until the investigation is complete

Metronews.ca
Oct. 27, 2015
By Helen Pike

Associated Cabs has sent a legal letter to the City of Calgary accusing them of not fulfilling their role in enforcing bylaws against the operation of UberX.

On Monday, a letter addressed to those in the Taxi and Limousine Advisory Committee and Livery Transport Services was sent to the city demanding the city bylaw, which UberX breaks, be enforced or else Associated will take "whatever steps it can" to ensure the transportation and limo industry operate under a "common regulatory scheme."

"Associated should not have the burden of reminding TLAC and the City that section 60 of the Taxi bylaw contains a complete bar on the operation of taxi and limousine services unless the operators of those services (including UberX who is operating as a broker and UberX drivers) are properly licensed," read the letter.

A spokesperson from the city said they are using a "multifaceted approach" to enforce the bylaws and that includes the livery transportation bylaw. However, the city will not discuss the details or enforcement strategies at this time.

The spokesperson added the main focus is public safety, but said disclosing specifics would not be in "the best interest" of the ongoing investigation as it could "jeopardize public safety."

When asked what that means the spokesperson did not answer the question and repeated the investigation's focus is on public safety.

In an interview with Associated Cabs, owner Roger Richard said they haven't seen the livery bylaw officers around, and it seems as though they are hiding.

As of last week the city still hadn't reported any tickets to Uber drivers and won't do so until the investigation is complete. Officials haven't made any public appearances since the ridesharing group launched Oct. 15.

Once the investigation has concluded an update of the enforcement strategy will be provided.