Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is supporting staff recommendations regulating the taxi industry that would legalize Uber.
“If we are going to remain an innovative city, we cannot ignore new technologies and ways of doing business,” Mr. Watson wrote in an open letter to city councillors.
Mr. Watson said the recommendations, which include allowing cabs to offer reduced fares for rides booked through an app, reducing the taxi licence fee from $176 to $96 and eliminating the Algonquin College course for drivers, represent “the best way forward.”
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Public-private collaboration is Canada’s innovation engine — but it needs fuel
Fidus Systems Inc.’s selection last year as AMD Adaptive Compute Partner of the Year is a reflection of the world-class talent the company has assembled in Ottawa. As the first
Legal tips for making workplace changes during a period of economic uncertainty
With the ongoing threat of severe trade disruptions and economic uncertainty in the air, business owners who have been economically impacted by the tariffs might be contemplating changes to their
“We need to take unnecessary restrictions off the taxi industry by removing long-standing grievances, and to allow it compete and innovate,” he said.
Staff is also recommending all vehicle-for-hire groups – including Uber – have the same level of commercial insurance, broker fees, vehicle age limits, background checks and vehicle requirements. Fees the city collects for administration and enforcement would also be similar.
“I have every confidence that the traditional taxi industry will be able to compete fairly under these proposed regulations,” Mr. Watson said.
