WATCH ABOVE: A new survey finds Toronto favours the ride sharing service – and it doesn’t necessarily depend on where you live in the city. Mark McAllister reports.
TORONTO – Nearly half of Torontonians support the ride-hailing service Uber with three-quarters of young people between the ages of 18 and 34 saying the practice should continue, according to a new poll.
The Mainstreet Technologies/Postmedia survey released Friday found 45 per cent of respondents think Uber drivers should be allowed to operate without a municipally required taxi license while 37 per cent want it banned.
However when it comes to safety, only 48 per cent of respondents think the service is safe while 85 per cent say taxis are safer.
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Mayor John Tory had promised swift action to bring a level playing field for both Uber and cab drivers by reviewing taxi regulations and begin strict enforcement of bylaws.
The poll also found Torontonians are largely in favour of changes in the taxi industry, with 44 per cent wanting to abolish the current system.
Respondents were also strongly in favour of Uber playing by existing rules, with 63 per cent saying Uber should have the same regulations as taxis.
But most want a compromise between Uber and taxis to get there, with 38 per cent favouring such a solution.
READ MORE: Uber stands ground in ongoing scrap with taxis, governments in Canada
Meanwhile, 70 per cent of those surveyed in the city are following the issue surrounding Uber and taxis closely.
The Mainstreet Technologies poll surveyed 1514 respondent with a margin of error of +/-2.52 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
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