Calgary strikes balance on cabs, UberX

Solution could come out Tuesday

Metronews.ca
Nov. 10, 2015
By Helen Pike

Regulate taxis and allow unlimited city-licensed UberX drivers, after weeks of unlawful rideshare operation, this is the favoured option administration is bringing forward to the Taxi and Limousine Advisory Committee Tuesday.

The proposed option will continue to limit taxi plates while allowing Uber-like operations to go through the city for safety regulations and licensing. Taxi and limousine companies will be free to set their own rates through a City-approved app like for-hire vehicles. But flagging down a ride will remain the taxi cab's game.

Couns. Evan Woolley and Sean Chu both think the idea strikes a good balance.

Woolley said he still thinks there's a lot of perks to being a cab driver and that the industry will just have to adapt to technological changes.

"I firmly believe that there's still a strong role for taxis within the City of Calgary in the future," said Woolley.

"Hopefully they have engaged both industries and maybe that's the consensus," said Chu, adding that the insurance issue will probably dictate how the bylaw changes move forward.

Uber was cautiously optimistic at the news.

"We continue to have a productive dialogue with the City and look forward to working with staff on the details of its recommendation to embrace ridesharing." Ramit Kar, General Manager of Uber in Alberta