WATCH: (Aired Nov. 18, 2014) Uber isn’t regulated – does that make it dangerous like the city claims? Global News talks to a lawyer to find out.
TORONTO – The City of Toronto wants to ban the popular ride-sharing app Uber but the majority of Torontonians believe the service should stay.
A poll conducted by Forum Research on Nov. 25 shows 68 per cent of respondents disapprove of the city’s attempt to prohibit its use, however only 12 per cent of those surveyed say they have actually used Uber.
“You would think, with the increasing success and high user satisfaction of Uber, the taxi industry might try to learn something from the enterprise, rather than trying to shut it down,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff in a media release.
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READ MORE: Toronto attempting to shut down Uber service within city limits
The city announced last week it is seeking a court injunction to stop Uber from operating in Toronto citing numerous bylaw infractions as well as safety concerns.
Meanwhile, more than three-quarters of those polled who have used Uber say (78 per cent) their experience is “much better” and “somewhat better” than taxis.
“Its users are younger, sophisticated, well-educated early adopters, and they define the future. The city will ignore their preferences at its peril,” said Bozinoff.
Mayor-elect John Tory has come out against the injunction saying services like Uber were “here to stay.”
READ MORE: Is John Tory facing an Uber battle at city hall?
“It is time our regulatory system got in line with evolving consumer demands in the 21st century. As Mayor, I intend to see that it does, while being fair to all parties, respecting the law and public safety,” he said in a written statement.
The Forum Research interactive survey sampled 950 people with a margin of error of 3 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
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