Uber ride-sharing service meets with 'concerned' regional staff

Ride-sharing service Uber says it has hosted information sessions for potential drivers in Waterloo Region this week, despite regional staff's concerns about the company's operating practices.

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A spokesperson for Uber told CBC News in an email that "interest in the partner registration drive was high." and were part of "efforts to assess interest by potential driver partners and riders in local markets."

In an email to CBC News, a regional spokesperson acknowledged the region is aware Uber is attempting to recruit drivers. The email said staff had met with company representatives and will do so again to express their concerns.

The statement specifiedthat staff are "concerned that Uber may not provide an appropriate level of investigation or inspection of vehicles or the people who drive them." It also cited the region's standard fare system, which "ensures consumers are charged [equitably] and fairly regardless of condition."

AngeloApfelbaum, the region's manager of licensing and enforcement, told CBC News in October that bylawofficers would be monitoring anyUberrides and would charge any drivers who are not up to code with the region's requirements for ride services.

Uber, originally from San Francisco, is now operating in cities worldwide. In Canada, it is available in Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. However, in 2012 it was exiled from Vancouver because of requirements by the BC Passenger Transportation Branch.