SASKATOON – The debate over the controversial ride-share service Uber continued Monday at Saskatoon city council. The city now plans to lobby the Saskatchewan government to regulate Uber like a taxi service.
While Uber has yet to come to Saskatoon, the company has plans to expand here.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) officials said Uber should be regulated like a taxi service and should have special insurance and plates.
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However, enforcement of these regulations was the centre of discussion today and several taxi owners stepped forward to voice their concerns, which ranged from the safety of consumers to criminal record checks and job security for drivers.
“Offering additional cars and service to the city is not a bad thing,” said United Taxi general manager Carlo Triolo. “What we want is that it all be on an equal and level playing ground.”
“What concerns me the most is all of the lawsuits and safety issues that are out there, and it’s across Canada, North America and Europe, so there is a lot of safety issues at risk.”
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Uber Canada says it believes the right path forward is to work collaboratively with government to develop common sense regulations for ridesharing and is pleased with the approach taken in Saskatoon.
“The city council’s transportation committee has taken an important step forward towards bringing ridesharing and Uber to Saskatoon,” said a statement from Uber Canada.
“We encourage all of city council to embrace technology and request the provincial government to move forward on developing ridesharing regulations that can ensure public safety and support affordable transportation alternatives.”
Uber Canada added that all drivers who partner with its ridesharing product, uberX, must undergo a stringent background check.
SGI is in ongoing talks with the provincial government and Uber to create unique regulations for ride-share companies, but the information provided to the city at this time is limited.
Joelle Tomlinson contributed to this story
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