EDMONTON — City officials filed a court injunction Thursday to stop the ride-sharing service Uber from operating in Edmonton.
“The City of Edmonton is committed to working with Uber on addressing our concerns,” said the city’s manager of current planning, Scott Mackie. “However, in a motion passed by executive committee on Jan. 20, 2015, administration was directed to ask Uber to voluntarily cease operations. We were directed to work collaboratively with stakeholders to examine existing regulations for the vehicle-for-hire industry.
“Uber has chosen not to cease operations which has forced us to file for an injunction.”
Mackie said city officials have been speaking with industry representatives about the current bylaws and how to incorporate new services in a way that ensures public safety.
“We recognize that advances in technology are changing personal transportation options and, with that, customer expectations. Edmonton is looking at the implications of these changes.”
READ MORE: Sites like Uber, AirBnB test reach of local bylaws
He said Uber seemed receptive to the discussions and appeared to want to work with the city on possible amendments to the current bylaw. But following the committee meeting and the request to stop operating in Edmonton, Uber kept operating and didn’t consult the city about it, said Mackie.
“It is not reasonable to allow any service to continue operating that potentially poses risks to the public,” he explained.
“We think it’s reasonable. Our primary concern is public safety.”
Mackie stressed the city supports new business and wants to help them operate legally and safely in Edmonton.
“The City of Edmonton is one of the first in Canada expressing an interest in working with transportation companies such as Uber that would potentially allow them to operate legally.”
READ MORE: Battle between Uber and the city heats up in Edmonton
The injunction was filed around noon Thursday with the Court of Queen’s Bench. The city is waiting to hear the date when the application will be heard.
In the meantime, Mackie says city officials will continue to work with transportation companies.
“We believe the regulations in the bylaw go partway there,” he said, adding there’s still work to be done. He said administration would like to bring bylaw amendments forward to council as quickly as possible.
In a statement, Uber spokesperson Xavier Van Chau said:
“The City of Edmonton has recognized the need for a new regulatory framework for ridesharing alternatives like Uber and we remain committed to work with them to find solutions. It is unfortunate, however, that despite the vocal support of over 8,000 Edmontonians, the City has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on legal action.”
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