Launch of Uber app has mixed reactions

The ride-sharing app Uber has rolled out in Windsor and while residents say they’re happy to have another means of transportation, taxi drivers are concerned of a possible drop in business.

As a result, a report went before council and was approved Nov. 16 to hire an independent consultant who would review the current bylaw and determine if a new one is needed. The consultant is expected to cost $30,000.

John Toth, first vice president of Unifor Local 195, which represents Vets cab drivers, said council needs to consider the disadvantages drivers are facing with Uber on the road. Toth said the service and its drivers are not following the city’s Public Vehicles Licensing Bylaw.

Toth said although he’d like to see a more local approach and one which is not rushed, he was happy with the result of the motion.

“It’s not a level playing field, they’re being allowed to operate or they thought they were going to be able to come in here and allowed to operate without complying with the rules but the city’s made it clear that up until the time that those rules are reviewed and revised, the expectation is that they will have to comply,” said Toth.

These rules include fees, on-board cameras, insurance and vehicle standards and inspections.

Last month, Mayor Drew Dilkens said he was open to the app-based operation coming to Windsor. That support is something new Uber driver Brian Price said elevates Windsor as a community.

“It’s great to see him taking a stand saying ‘hey this is a great service we need it in our great city,’” said Price.

However, since the service started Nov. 12, Dilkens said the company could face fines if they do not abide by local bylaws.

The issue, according to Dilkens, is enforcing the bylaw which is complaint-based. Dilkens explained when a bylaw officer issues a fine, the Uber driver can call the company and inform them of the fine and as a result, the officer is flagged by Uber.

“So the next time that bylaw officer tries to go call an Uber car to do enforcement, they’re unable to do it unless they get another e-mail address, another credit card and make another call,” said Dilkens.

Dilkens added by continuing to enforce the bylaw now and hiring a consultant in the months to come, it will level the playing field.

“For us to delay is just going to continue to provide an unfair competitive disadvantage to Vets taxi as Uber starts eating their lunch in the city of Windsor and they’re unregulated currently,” said Dilkens.

The 2015 city operating budget does not have a dedicated consulting fund and as a result, money will likely have to be taken from savings or surpluses found in the Office of the City Clerk.