Uber back in business in Edmonton

Uberis coming back to Edmonton starting midnightJuly 1.

Uber'sAlberta general managerRamitKarmade the announcement Thursday at a news conference.

"Edmonton was the first Canadian city to regulate and welcome ride sharing services likeUber," Karsaid.

"Uberwill create thousands of economic opportunities forEdmontonians.On this note, I'd like to commend MayorIvesonand city council for their leadership in embracing innovation and more transportation options."

Uberstoppedoperating in Edmonton at the end of February after the city passed a bylaw that compelled drivers to have proper insurance.

The company said commercial insurance policies are too expensive for their drivers,so ithad to wait until the province approved a policy specifically forride-hailing companies.

On Tuesday, Transportation Minister Brian Mason confirmed that an insurance policy created especially for ride services such asUberwill be available in Alberta starting July 1.

'Unnecessarybarriers' remain

Even thoughUberdrivers will be back on Edmonton streets, Kar saidthe company is still unhappy with the requirement that each driver carry an upgraded commercial driver's licence.

"While we're pleased torelaunchour operations in Edmonton today, provincial licensing requirements create unnecessary barriers for the vast majority ofAlbertanswho are looking to use technology to share their rides and earn income," he said.

"The adopted licensing regime will mean less flexible earningopportunitiesand less urban mobility.Having a Class 4 requirement really does exclude millions ofAlbertansfrom being able to use ride sharing," Kar said.

Kar also predicted there will be far fewer drivers as a result of the licensing requirements.

TappCar to the airport

Edmonton start-upTappCar alsoannounced Thursdayit is now available for transportation to and from the Edmonton International Airport.

TappCar describes itself as a mix betweenUberand a traditional taxi service.