When it comes to Uber in Vancouver, city councillors are calling on the provincial government to step in as the city tries to figure out what’s next with the ride sharing service.
Ride sharing was one of many topics covered at Thursday night’s 5-hour meeting, where more than two dozen speakers signed up to respond to a recent report focused on ‘Vehicles for Hire’–specifically taxis and ride sharing services. The report includes 21 recommendations, most of which centre around the taxi industry, but also deal with services such as Uber.
The Canadian public policy manager for Uber, Michael Van Hemmen, was one of the presenters at tonight’s meeting. He said Uber is in talks with the province, but wouldn’t elaborate on the specific nature of those conversations and what the next steps are.
At one point, councillor Geoff Meggs asked for Uber to confirm they would not launch their service until they received all the necessary approval, but Van Hemmen would only say they are willing to continue conversations with the province.
Still, Meggs said he’s hopeful and believes Uber will work with the province and won’t forge ahead without final approval.
“They really have some issues here. They’re not really telling us what they are,” said Meggs. “All the councillors have received emails saying we’re starting or we’re hiring drivers. I don’t know what they’re up to. Only they can explain it.”
READ MORE: Uber chief advisor David Plouffe makes ridesharing pitch in Vancouver
Meggs said, at this point, Uber needs more guidance from the province, particularly the ministry of transportation and Todd Stone.
“There’s huge demand for additional service. Our industry has stepped up to try and provide that with eCab, while protecting a solid fare structure and providing accessibility, while providing more green cabs. So they deserve to be supported while they make those changes,” said Meggs.
Council also voted unanimously to extend the moratorium on suburban cabs operating within Vancouver city limits.
“We heard very overhwlemingly that a change in the current approach to allow suburban cabs to work in the city would erode service and undermine quality and certainly wouldn’t help on the accessibility front,” said Meggs.
Councillors said the city needs more accessible taxis on the road and called on the Passenger Transportation Board to approve 58 additional accessible taxis.
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