EDMONTON – As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end – and in the case of Edmonton Uber lovers, that means free rides are now a thing of the past.
On Tuesday night Uber announced via its app and on Twitter that it would no longer offer free rides in Edmonton.
“We are thrilled by the record demand we have seen in Edmonton over the past few weeks as thousands of people are choosing Uber for a safe and reliable ride.
“Uber will continue to operate with trips returning to our original uberX pricing,” said Uber spokesperson Xavier Van Chau, who did not explain the reason for end of free rides.
A spokesperson with the City of Edmonton said it is reaching out to Uber for confirmation on the change in operations.
“We will continue our regular on-road enforcement actions and will follow the motions put forward by Executive Committee on January 20, 2015,” said Shani Gwin, a communications advisor with the city.
The city has bylaw officers enforcing its vehicle-for-hire Bylaw, and says it utilizes several enforcement options. According to the city, illegal taxis face fines of over $1,400.
Uber operates around the world, promoting itself as an alternative to taxi services. Would-be passengers use a smartphone app to request and pay for a ride with the service.
A Global News investigation found within Edmonton, prices and wait times were fairly similar between Uber and existing taxi services.
WATCH: As the Uber debate continues, Eric Szeto tests out the service to see how it compares to regular taxis.
After much opposition to the ride-sharing service by Edmonton’s taxi industry, city council passed a motion in January aimed at putting the brakes on Uber’s operations in Edmonton. The city asked Uber to voluntarily suspend its operations until council decides to change current regulations, or Uber complies with the vehicle-for-hire bylaw.
That prompted Uber to launch an online petition, saying it was an attempt to show city council that its services are wanted by Edmontonians. On Jan. 30, Uber then began offering free rides in Edmonton.
At the time Uber said it it was a good faith measure, while the two sides worked together to create new ride-sharing regulations.
In response on Feb. 5, the City of Edmonton filed a court injunction with the Court of Queen’s Bench to force Uber to stop operating. A court date has not yet been set.
“We are working with the City to develop a permanent regulatory solution that will best serve riders and drivers in Edmonton. In the meantime, Uber will defend the rights of riders and drivers who use the Uber platform everyday,” said Van Chau on Wednesday.
A notice on Uber’s app says users who share their promo code with someone who then signs up and rides, both will receive a free ride up to $20.
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