Uber launches in Calgary. Is Vancouver next?

 

Uber has officially launched in Calgary, and, thus far, the response has been very positive:

http://calgaryherald.com/storyline/here-comes-uber-the-ride-sharing-service-launches-in-calgary-today

A few things might differentiate Calgary from Vancouver. Most notably, a cab licence in Calgary was only selling for $100,000 on the secondary market at the time Uber was launched. In Vancouver, the price of a cab license is about ten times that amount. Existing cab licence owners are, therefore, far more motivated to protect the value of their investment. Obviously this raises questions about a municipal government’s priorities. Do they owe any responsibility to a licence holder who has purchased a licence on the secondary market? Do those responsibilities override those owed to the general public?

Uber is cheaper than a cab, but it’s not just about the money. There are also safety concerns. When someone cannot find a ride in a cab, they are more likely to resort to alternatives like riding with a drunk driver. Calgary unlike Vancouver has the added pressure of extremely cold winters. There, finding a ride promptly can be the difference between life and death.

Last year, when Mayor Roberts was asked about Uber, he seemed to pass the buck to the Provincial government:

http://blogs.theprovince.com/2014/10/23/vancouver-mayoral-candidate-gregor-robertson-answers-questions-on-reddit/

Q: How do you see ride-sharing apps, like Uber, fitting within the transportation options we have in Vancouver?

A: Good question – Coucil just asked city staff to take 6 months and examine all options for improving the situation with taxis and new options like Uber. Keep in mind the BC government controls taxi licensing unlike US cities.

However, since then, the City of Vancouver city council has extended moratoriums on Uber:

http://www.straight.com/life/421066/uber-alternatives-promote-ride-sharing-vancouver

Most recently, Vancouver city staff stated they would need “zero to three months” before going back to City Hall with their recommendations:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/uber-vancouver-city-council-1.3277785

For Vancouverites, the wait continues…..

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