WATCH ABOVE: As the Uber debate continues, Eric Szeto tests out the service to see how it compares to regular taxis.
EDMONTON — Dozens of cab drivers held a peaceful protest at City Hall Wednesday afternoon, encouraging the city to crack down on the ride-sharing service Uber, which has been operating in Edmonton since December.
“When our cab drivers go pick up their customers they can see clearly that Uber drivers are working and the city is not doing enough to stop them,” said Balraj Manhas, president of the United Cabbies Association of Edmonton.
The city’s taxi industry is regulated and the cab association says Uber drivers should have to follow the same rules as the other 3,000 licensed taxi drivers in the city.
“It’s a big, big public safety issue here,” said Manhas. “(Our) main concern is the safety. But on the other side, this industry is regulated and our livelihood of the cab drivers is also at stake.”
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The cab association says Uber drivers don’t have to pay the same insurance rates and pass commercial vehicle inspections like licensed drivers. In addition, cabbies say Uber drivers don’t have to pass a Class 4 driver’s exam.
“There are so many regulations and bylaws put upon the taxi industry, limo industry. But on the other side, they (city staff) are allowing this illegal taxi cab company to work in the city of Edmonton,” Manhas explained.
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“We welcome Uber if they set up a legal company in the city,” added vice president Abouzar Aslam. “We want a legal competition with the same set of rules where we have the same playing field.”
In a statement to Global News, Uber said it is “all about keeping Edmonton moving, making it safe and more reliable than ever before for Edmontonians to connect with their city.”
“The Uber platform is helping usher in a new and innovative model creating new opportunities that benefit riders, drivers and the general public. Change is never easy, and we look forward to working together to ensure that the public is best served.”
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Due to the changing market, mayor Don Iveson says the regulations will need to be looked at.
“I think the city has been quite clear on our position on what is a legitimate cab and what isn’t,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “The consequences have been made quite clear to anybody operating under the current rules.”
The topic will be discussed at an executive committee meeting next week. Iveson encourages cab drivers to bring forward their concerns.
The city says $1,400 in fines have been issued to Uber drivers, but couldn’t say how many drivers had been fined.
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