Uber offers free rides to polls for new customers

Uberofferednew customers free rides to the polling station on Monday, despite warnings from city officials to avoid the service until insurance and regulatory issues are worked out.

First-timeUberusers can sign up for a free ride to the polls and back as long as the fare each way is under $15.

• UberX launch irks head of Associated Cab
• UberX launches in Calgary despite city bylaws
• Council rejects rule changes that were to pave way for Uber Black

The deal applies to all cities across the country where Uber currently runs.

The ride-hailing service launched in Calgary on Thursday,despite the city saying it violates bylaws.

Officials said drivers would technically be violating three sections of the city's livery transport bylaw, with each violation carrying a minimum fine of $1,500.

Company officials say the bylaws don't apply to Uberas they are not a traditional taxi system.

UberXis billed as the "low-costUber"as it uses relatively ordinary vehiclesopposed toUberBlack, which offers luxury sedans.

The company claimsUberXrides in Calgary will cost about 30 per cent less than traditional taxis, which are heavily and strictly regulated under city bylaws.

The company says it has 500 "driving partners" signed up and ready to go.

Last week,MayorNaheedNenshisaid he's not opposed to changing the city's rules to allow forUberXbuthe advised againstusing the service either as a driveror passengerin the meantime.

There are still questions surrounding the validity ofUberXdrivers' auto insurance, in addition to the regulatory issues, the mayor noted.

Council is set to discuss thetopicat its Nov. 16 meeting.