Uber Canada accuses Vancouver councillor of fear mongering in voicing concern about service

The general manager of Uber Canada is taking aim at a Vancouver city councillor for what he says is fear mongering.

UberCanada general managerIan Black was responding to concerns expressed by Coun. Geoff Meggsover the ride-sharing networkpotentially beginning service in Vancouver, a goal that's faced opposition from local politicians foryears.

"The commentsof the councillor are a probably alittle bit misinformed, and may be trying to fearmonger," Black told CBC Radio'sThe Early Edition Friday.

MeggstoldCBC Radio'sB.C. AlmanacThursday thatride-sharing services are problematic because they don't have the advantages that have come through the current taxi system stringent criminal record checks, vehicle safety measures and inspections, and taxi drivers and vehicles that take special consideration forseniors and people with disabilities.

"There are 60 jurisdictions around North America and the world that have already created ride-sharing regulations. All of them include the requirements that were just listed by the councillor, and those are all things that we do already, and would be happy to do in British Columbia," said Black.

"EveryUberdriver goes through a background check. EveryUberdriver has their vehicle thoroughlyinspected. Actuallyjust last week in Toronto,we launched a wheelchairaccessible serviceand we're looking to roll that out in cities across Canada."

Province's stance changing

Meggs' comments came in the wake of a shift in the provincial government's stance on ride-shares in B.C.

Transportation Minister Todd Stonesaid Wednesday that it is inevitable that ride-sharing companieswill come to B.C., but said it is up to the companies to work out issues with thePassenger Transportation Board, which regulates the industry in B.C.

Meggssaid it is "confusing" that Stonewould say that now, aspreviouslyStone threatened fines, legal action and undercover officersifUberdrivers tried to operate in the province without taxi licenses.

"We have been in discussions with Minister Stone and the government for some time now," said Black.

"We are hopeful that the government moves quickly to create a framework for ride-sharing regulations this spring."

'When,' not 'if'

Stone said Wednesday that there is no firm timelinefor ride-sharesrolling outin B.C., but said municipalities will eventually have to give way.

"I believe it is a matter of when not if ride-sharing companies likeUberwill be present in British Columbia," he said.

Meggsbelieves if there are ride share companies operating onVancouver streets, their presence should be provinciallyregulated.

Meggssaid that Vancouver mayorGregorRobertson has also written to Stone to urge the province to create a new policy framework for ride-sharing services.

The difference between theirposition on regulation and Stone'sis that Stone saysUberneeds tofit into the current provincial legal framework, whileMeggsfeels new legislation would beneeded.

"As of today the regulatory environment is there ... They have to operate within the regulatory environment that is there." said Stone.

On this point, Black agrees withMeggs.

"The regulations in British Columbia do needto bechanged in orderfor ride-sharing services likeUber, but also likeLyftand othercompetitors to come in," said Black.