Uber offers free rides to polls for new customers

Uber offered new customers free rides to the polling station on Monday, despite warnings from city officials to avoid the service until insurance and regulatory issues are worked out.

First-time Uber users can sign up for a free ride to the polls — and back — as long as the fare each way is under $15.

• UberX launch irks head of Associated Cab
• UberX launches in Calgary despite city bylaws
• Council rejects rule changes that were to pave way for Uber Black

The deal applies to all cities across the country where Uber currently runs.

The ride-hailing service launched in Calgary on Thursday, despite the city saying it violates bylaws.

Officials said drivers would technically be violating three sections of the city's livery transport bylaw, with each violation carrying a minimum fine of $1,500.

Company officials say the bylaws don't apply to Uber as they are not a traditional taxi system.

UberX is billed as the "low-cost Uber" as it uses relatively ordinary vehicles opposed to UberBlack, which offers luxury sedans.

The company claims UberX rides in Calgary will cost about 30 per cent less than traditional taxis, which are heavily and strictly regulated under city bylaws.

The company says it has 500 "driving partners" signed up and ready to go.

Last week, Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he's not opposed to changing the city's rules to allow for UberX but he advised against using the service either as a driver or passenger in the meantime.

There are still questions surrounding the validity of UberX drivers' auto insurance, in addition to the regulatory issues, the mayor noted.

Council is set to discuss the topic at its Nov. 16 meeting.