WATCH: The smartphone app Uber connects drivers and passengers, who are looking for an alternative to traditional taxis. But not everyone thinks it’s the answer to transportation woes. Jennifer Tryon reports.
TORONTO – Private investigators were hired by the City of Toronto to gather information about the inner-workings of the popular ride-sharing company Uber.
Court records obtained by The Globe and Mail reveal city staff conducted an extensive investigation to build a legal case against the Silicon Valley-based company that included hiring two former Toronto police officers to pose as an UberX driver and passenger.
The city announced on Nov. 18 it is seeking a court injunction to stop Uber from operating in Toronto citing numerous bylaw infractions as well as safety concerns.
READ MORE: Toronto attempting to shut down Uber service within city limits
The Globe says the city hired Harbour Group Security & Investigations on Oct. 1 and its investigators raised concerns about Uber’s driver-screening process.
A report submitted by Luigi Dilorenzo, one of the investigators, indicated he underwent training to become a driver that consisted of a 15-minute video and a 10-question “true/false” quiz with no car inspection.
The city’s taxi-licence program requires drivers to complete a 17-day training course, including a refresher every four years.
The details come after a new poll released show the majority of Torontonians believe the service should stay and not be banned by the City of Toronto.
READ MORE: Is John Tory facing an Uber battle at city hall?
Mayor-elect John Tory has come out against the injunction saying services like Uber were “here to stay.”
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