Mississauga lifts ban on Uber, speeds up pilot project to establish new rules

Mississauga has lifted its ban on Uber one week after telling the ridesharing service to hit the brakes until a pilot project was set up.

Council voted Wednesday to set up a committee to create a framework for UberX and similar services, with recommendations due by June 29.

This after council voted last week for a September deadline, along with a call for the company to cease and desist until new rules were put in place.

But in the new vote council opted to let enforcement staff handle UberX — which operates outside taxi licensing — on a case-by-case basis by ticketing drivers under existing bylaws.

The city has handed out some 300 tickets around $25,000 each, with some challenged in court.

Karam Punian, Executive Director of the Airport Taxicab Association, told Global News that Uber has crippled its business.

A spokeswoman for the ridesharing company said it would continue as before in the city.

“We remain committed to serving the people of Mississauga while working collaboratively with the city on a TNC pilot program,” Susie Heath said in an email.