Transportation Network Companies or TNCs like Uber now have a set of bylaws that will govern them in the City of Windsor.
"They recognized the voices by citizens," said Chris Schafer representing Uber. "That they want choice in transportation options in the city of Windsor.
After a five hour discussion council passed the bylaws that are in line with many other Ontario municipalities. They also passed amendments to the taxi licensing bylaw in an effort to create a level playing field for all drivers in the market.
"As far as the essentials are concerned Uber and taxi drivers have the same criminal background checks, it's a vulnerable sector criminal background check, the minimum insurance standards are identical and the safety checks on the vehicles will be the same," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.
General Manager at Vets Cab Walter Bezzina and Uber Public Policy Manager Chris Schafer answer questions from Windsor City Council, March 27, 2017.
But John Toth representing the union for Vets Cabs drivers said by opening the market to an unlimited amount of Uber drivers they are harming the industry.
"There's not any more rides being demanded today as there was two years ago when Uber wasn't here. It's a very flat static market so what you've done by adding twice as many drivers is you've just cut the income in half for all the people that work in the industry," said Toth.
Cab drivers also said the regulations put the public at risk by not mandating the use of cameras on board TNCs.
"Some people are of the misunderstanding that the camera is in place solely to protect the driver, it's to protect the driver and the passenger. It's also a major crime fighting tool. That camera is called upon time and time again by the city police departments," said Toth.
The representative from Uber said the requirement of cameras would have been a deal breaker for the company. He insists there are a number of safety features available through the platform that help keep drivers and passengers safe.
"When you make a ride request through the Uber platform you get the driver's name, photo, make and model of the car, license plate. You have the ability while you are on a trip to share your trip details with a loved one so they would have all the same details you have, they can also follow your trip in real time," said Schafer.
City administration will report back to council in a year's time on how effective the bylaws are. The report will also contain an update on the need for cameras in the vehicles.