App-based ride services like Uber might soon operate legally in Ottawa.
Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Diane Deans, chair of the community and protective services committee, proposed a new taxi regulation system at city hall during a bylaw review on Thursday afternoon.
During the meeting, city officials revealed the finer details of a new regulatory and licensing system for the taxi industry and alternative transportation services.
On Wednesday, Uber launched a campaign asking for support from Ottawa residents. An online petition already has over 12,000 signatures.
This all comes ahead of the upcoming city council vote to legalize ride-sharing services in Ottawa.
The taxi union has been fighting Uber ever since their arrival in Ottawa in 2014.
“There is nothing for taxi drivers. What did we do wrong to deserve this? Why would we want to accommodate a foreign company who’s not paying a single cent to Ottawa’s economy?” said Amrik Singh, head of Ottawa taxi union, after the technical briefing at City Hall.
Today’s recommendations will be debated by city councillors at a committee meeting next week. If approved, they will then be put to council for an official vote on April 13.
Related story, Uber calls for Ottawa support ahead of city vote:
http://www.centretownnews.ca/breaking-news-mainmenu-126/5868-uber-calls-for-ottawa-support-ahead-of-city-vote.html.