Created: 30.May.2016
Last update: 27.Jul.2016
In his final appearance before the Kingston Area Taxi Commission before changes are made to the taxi bylaws to address ride-sharing services, Uber representative Chris Schafer identified three key sections that would prevent Uber from continuing to operate in Kingston:
• surge pricing limits,
• security cameras in all cars,
• a local office.
Shafer said that, with over 25 recommendations, the Kingston commission stands alone in Canada in the breadth of its proposed regulations. He said that the proposals attempt to treat the ride-dispatch service as the same as a taxi service when there are fundamental differences. For example, he cited the demand for security cameras and vehicle markings as inferior to Uber’s business model because Uber driver & car identification is passed directly to the customer’s smartphone. Furthermore, the passenger information is delivered to the driver and recorded, yielding stronger security for both parties. As well, the Uber feedback system reduces the number of bad drivers and bad fares.
Responding to Shafer’s comment that “My goal is to see consumers in Kingston have choice,” the deputy-mayor of Loyalist Township, Ric Bresee, refuted the implied claim that the commission was protectionist. He likened the role of the taxi commission to a marketing board, and said that the "cornernerstone" of its mission is to regulate supply and demand. Shafer, the Uber representative, responded in turn that the introduction of ride-sharing had grown the overall market for rides.
Bylaw would idle Uber in Kingston: official (Whig, 20.Jul.2016)
BackgroundThe “task force” struck by the Kingston Taxi Commission to recommend rules for Uber operations in Kingston delivered a report recommending 26 restrictions on ride-sharing services. The committee ws formed in January to respond to the arrival of the electronic ride-hailing service Uber in December, 2015.Although the term “ride sharing service” is used to describe the business of companies such as Uber and Lyft, they are primarily in the business of providing internet-dispatched cars. Individuals sign up to be drivers in their own cars and, after vetting by the company for a valid drivers license, insurance and proper car condition, are able to receive ride requests. Fees are set by the dispatching company (and may vary depending on demand) and collected via a smartphone app. Tipping is not required but most riders tip a similar amount to standard tips for cabbies.
One issue that is regularly raised by critics is the provision of insurance to protect the drivers, the passengers & other travellers. Aviva Canada has a package to cover Uber drivers that has been approved by The Insurance Bureau of Canada.
link: Ontario aproves coverage for ride-hailing service drivers (Winnipeg Free Press, 2.Feb.2016)
Uber employs about 100 people in Kingston, reportedly fewer drivers than it would like.
Related LinksBylaw would idle Uber in Kingston: official (Whig, 20.Jul.2016)