The recent Calgary re-launch of Uber could see the major ride sharing company break ground in surrounding municipalities such as Cochrane.
Reports on social media indicate that Uber might be operating in town and a download of the Uber iPhone app this week revealed that an Uber vehicle was operating near downtown.
According to Mike Korman, manager of economic development for the town, “Uber has not (yet) approached the town” but given that Cochrane currently has no taxi bylaw in place, they would likely be directed through a development permit application process.
Cochrane taxi services and ride sharing programs will soon have a frame of reference, however, as administration will present their recommendations for a taxi bylaw to council by early 2017.
For Patrick Wilson, driver and co-owner and of Cochrane-based Taxi 4 U – there’s nothing to fear from a little competition.
“I cheer for them as much as I’m in competition with them,” said Wilson, who has run the business alongside his father, Ken, since 2007.
Patrick said while it’s “refreshing” to see a company like Uber cutting through cumbersome red tape and “providing more options for customers” he added that he hopes the company will be vigilant with ensuring their drivers possess adequate insurance policies for the safety of passengers in the event of accidents.
With 14 cabs and 20 part and full-time licenced cab drivers on the streets, Taxi 4 U is without question Cochrane’s largest cab company.
Other companies include About Town, Cochrane Taxi and Limelight.
Patrick said they have sat down with the town as part of industry consultations for the proposed bylaw, which takes such factors into account as insurance requirements; transparent pricing; and driver screening.
Korman said Cochrane has looked to other municipalities to inform a proposed bylaw – including Kamloops, B.C., Lethbridge and Calgary.
Patrick said to keep in line with Calgary’s bylaw, his cabs cannot solicit Calgary business and when picking up pre-booked fares they must remove their dome lights and ensure there is no signage on their cabs.
Korman said the town would take a proactive approach if Uber was to be reported operating in town without a licence, similar to how the town handles all businesses with a first offence. The first step is the business is given a warning and directed to apply for a business licence. If the business fails to do so, a stop work order may be issued and subsequent fines may ensue.
Public consultations to help inform a taxi bylaw will be coming in the new year, added Korman.
