Ride-sharing app Uber set to roll out in Windsor today

Windsorstar.com
Nov. 12, 2015
By Chris Thompson

The ride-sharing app Uber is set to launch in Windsor on Thursday, much to the surprise of the union that represents Veteran Cab drivers, who are demanding the city enforce existing bylaws.

“Well, I would assume that the city will enforce the bylaws that are in place, which would not allow them to operate under their business model,” said John Toth, vice-president of Unifor Local 195, which represents Veteran Cab drivers.

In late October Mayor Drew Dilkens said he saw a “net benefit” from Uber operating in Windsor, and instructed city administration to report back on how to best regulate ride-sharing enterprises like Uber.

Dilkens did not return a request Wednesday night asking for comment.

“I understand (Dilkens) invited Uber in, and in doing so he invited his administration to look at the bylaw and figure out what needs to be amended to allow this to happen,” said Toth.

“So far none of those bylaws have been amended, no report has gone to council, no action has been taken that would change any laws that exist that would allow Uber to operate as a taxi.”

Toth said there should be no differentiation between existing taxi companies and Uber.

“It walks like a duck, it looks like a duck, it quacks like a duck, it’s a duck,” said Toth.

“So if they’re going to start operating that service, they’re putting the public at risk, they’re putting the riders at risk, there’s a risk to drivers, passengers, and the city is at risk for being liable should anything happen.”

Uber Canada president Ian Black said the rollout in Windsor will begin at 8 p.m. and new customers can get their first two rides for free until Sunday.

“We’ve been very excited to launch Uber in Windsor precisely because Detroit has had Uber for some time now and it has been very successful,” said Black.

He said there are already more than 10,000 people in Windsor who have downloaded the ride sharing app. Thursday’s rollout will coincide with a debut in the Niagara Region.

“We’ve seen in cities across Canada and across the world that ride sharing actually increases the overall market,” said Black.

“So it’s not as though the demand for taxis disappears. Rather, we find new people choosing on-demand transportation as people who are maybe using their cars now, who really don’t have a way to get around the city, really benefiting from ride sharing.”

Uber held an information session for interested drivers last week. Black said Uber has more than 100 drivers lined up in its new cities.

“When you look at the wider perspective, this actually creates jobs in the region and creates economic opportunities,” Black said.