Uber has just been given the green light in Halifax, but the regulations may differ slightly from what drivers are used to. Unlike in Toronto, where drivers require a general driver’s permit, Halifax bylaws will require drivers to obtain a class 4 licence.
These new regulations beg the question: is Halifax taking necessary safety precautions that other cities should follow? Or, will these new regulations make it harder for drivers to obtain a permit and riders to get a ride?
Uber Technologies Inc. is a major ride-sharing company that employs over 22,000 people world-wide. While it started off as a cheap, accessible taxi service, Uber now has food delivery services, micro-mobility services, and has even partnered with healthcare services to ensure patients get to appointments on time.
When UberEats came to Halifax in 2018, Haligonians began wondering when Uber’s ride-sharing service would follow suit. However, Halifax bylaws prevented the company from moving forward. Just recently, Halifax updated their bylaws to allow Uber to enter the city, as long as drivers update their licence to a class 4. This is the same licence used by taxi and bus drivers, eliminating one of Uber’s main convenience factors — anyone can drive for them with the pass of a background check.
Second year MSVU student Madison Mills has driven in Ubers while visiting friends in Ottawa. She says that, as a student, she feels safe in their cars. “It eliminates the anonymity I sometimes feel in cabs”, explains Mills. On the Uber app, riders can click on the driver’s profile before it arrives to see a photo, rating, and a short bio. The drivers can do the same, which promotes safety for both parties involved.
Besides safety, convenience is one of the top selling points for Uber. Customers can order a ride and it will show up at their doorstep within minutes. This customer service is second to none, including the taxi industry. “We sometimes have to wait hours for a cab after a night out,” says Mills. Uber’s debut will be a major upgrade from the few cab companies the Halifax area now has.
Uber will need to play on their safety and convenience in order to insert themselves in the already established Halifax taxi industry. It will be interesting to see how Uber markets themselves during this endeavour, despite the challenges presented with Halifax regulations.
Madison Bishop, BPR Student
