Uber and other private transportation services are a step closer to legally operating in the capital region.
The second day of discussion on whether Uber, or other services falling under the new designation of Private Transportation Companies, or PTCs, should be legalized in Ottawa took place on Friday at city hall. The first meeting was held on Thursday, where over 100 taxi drivers, Uber drivers and members of the public signed up to present their concerns to the city’s Community and Protective Services committee.
“It is clear the taxi industry needs to change. Change is never easy. The industry needs fewer regulations and more competition,” said Coun. Diane Deans, chair of the committee.
Staff and council discussed a number of motions during Friday’s meeting. They aim to address how the new rules might be enforced and to make any necessary changes to the city’s recommendations before the official vote takes place on April 13.
Among the motions reviewed by council, one demanding PTCs be equipped with security cameras caused the most commotion among taxi drivers attending the meeting. When council shot down the motion, deeming it unnecessary, many drivers stood up in protest and left the room.
“You should not be in that chair,” yelled one the drivers at Deans as he left the room. “You are biased!”
Security cameras have been mandatory in Ottawa taxis since 2008. Several councillors such as Rick Chiarelli, who introduced the motion, believe they are necessary for holding drivers accountable.
Among the motions approved by council were the following:
- A change of the implementation date of the new regulations from the original June 30 to Sept. 30, 2016
- A motion requiring PTCs, like Uber, to provide an up-to-date list of all driver information including name, address, insurance coverage details, confirmation of police records check, appropriate driving record, vehicle description, and license plate information
- The creation of a committee to review accessibility requirements for PTC vehicles
- The city must notify the CRA of its intention to create a new category of vehicles for hire in Ottawa, which will include PTCs
- To increase the proposed per-trip charge – in addition to an annual licensing fee
The city also asked that staff report back to council with a compliance report on how the new regulations are working every six months in the first year, as well as a verbal report after the first three months of service.