Uber's chief advisor pitches ride-sharing service to Vancouver Board of Trade

The chief advisor for Uber was in Vancouver to make the business case for ride-sharing in one of the few markets to successfully drive the app-based service out of town.

David Plouffe, the former campaign manager for Barack Obama, spoke at a Vancouver Board of Trade luncheon on Friday. 

"You are a major global tourist destination," said Plouffe. "You had 12,000 people at the cruise ship terminals last week and epic problems getting around. We can help with that."

He also added that 100,000 visitors to Vancouver have tried to use the Uber app, but couldn't because the company isn't allowed to operate here.

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Uber, which already operates in more than 200 cities worldwide, operated in Vancouver for about six months in 2012. The company withdrew from B.C. after the provincial transportation regulator imposed a minimum fare of $75 per trip.

Plouffe also tried to appeal to Vancouver's green initiatives, saying if the company was allowed to operate in the city, there would be fewer cars on the road, thereby easing congestion.

Vancouver Coun. Geoff Meggs was sitting at the head table with Plouffe.

"I like the benefits of technology, I'm not in favour of the disruption," he said.

Meggs said it's up to the province to approve Uber under the Passenger Transportation Act.

City studying potential impact

Last October, the city put a six-month moratorium on new taxi licences to review the potential impact of changes, including ride-sharing technologies like Uber's app. The city then extended the moratorium until the end of October 2015.

At issue for Vancouver taxi companies is the concern that Uber is violating local bylaws and provincial regulations, and attempting to illegally undercut traditional cabs.

"I have no objection to Uber, provided they play on a level playing field, apply to the (Passenger Transportation Board) for licencing, carry proper commercial insurance, inspection of vehicles and criminal record checks, (have) in-car cameras for the safety of passengers and drivers, and pay taxes," said Carolyn Bauer, president of the Vancouver Taxi Association.

A transportation working group will release its report to city council next month—both the taxi industry and Uber took part in the process.