Ottawa taxi companies, union issue list of demands on eve of Uber debate

Ottawa's licensed taxi industry and the union representing drivers have issued a list of nine "key motions" they're asking city councillors to consider before they pave the way for app-based ride hailing services like Uber to enter the market.

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Coventry Connections, West-Way Taxi and Unifor Local 1688 issued the list of requests on the eve of a special meeting of the city's community and protective services committee where councillors will discuss a staff report that recommends legalizing companies like Uber, while loosening various restrictions on the traditional taxi industry.

"This was a simple list produced by our drivers and management," Coventry Connections president and CEO Hanif Patni wrote in an email. "We recognize both services need to co-exist but there are some very serious concerns we have related to safety and consumer protection."

In order of priority, the industry is asking for the following:

1. That drivers for Uber and other companies be required to submit driver abstracts, police records and proof of adequate insurance directly to the city, and be charged an annual licence renewal fee on par with the cost of a traditional taxi licence.
2. That security cameras be made mandatory in all vehicles, that they meet the same standards as cameras in traditional taxis and that only police have access to the images they capture.
3. That all drivers be required to take a taxi driving training course at Algonquin College, and that only drivers who complete the course can get licences from the city.
4. That all drivers must have $5 million in commercial insurance with "proper endorsement," and that Uber and other companies provide proof of that insurance to the city.
5. That any new taxi company have a fleet of at least 25 vehicles, and that only three new companies be allowed to operate in the city.
6. That Uber must cease operations in Ottawa immediately "until new Ontario provincial legislation for greater enforcement powers to Ontario cities is introduced and authorized into law."
7. That cars driven for Uber and other companies be no older than five years when they enter service and no more than eight years old when they're in service, just like traditional taxis. Regulations regarding minimum trunk size and other requirements would also apply to all vehicles.
8. That drivers for Uber and other companies register to pay HST, and provide proof of HST registration to the city.
9. That the city — not the company — conduct vehicle inspections.

The special meeting takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 7. As of Wednesday afternoon there were about 40 public delegations on the list to speak at the meeting, with more expected to sign up.