'Horrible things happen': Taxi industry demands Uber, Lyft install shields to thwart 'beheading'

Uberand Lyftdrivers will face dangerous situations unless they are made to install safety shields in their vehicles,says aspokesman for Winnipeg's taxi industry.

"Horrible things have happened in this city," ScottMcFadyensaid, noting Pritam Deol, acabbie murdered in 2001, was stabbed 70times in the face.

"Shields are needed.The proof is in the pudding in terms of the 100 per cent reduction in murders [since shields were made mandatory]."

Protectivebarrierswill also help avoid skyrocketing rates for all auto insurance payers, McFadyensaid, emphasizing hispoint with an alarming scenario.

"The first time anUberpassenger is beheaded,you know, maimed these things do happen,horrible things do happen that is going to have a devastating impact on insurance rates."

McFadyen, spokesman for the Winnipeg Community Taxi Coalition,made the comments Wednesday afterMayor Brian Bowman's inner circle the executive policy committee approved new regulations governingtaxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.

The regulations must now go to council for a vote on Dec. 13.

The taxi industry has been fighting the city's moves toallowride-bookingservices to operate in Winnipeg ever sinceBill 30,theLocal Vehicles for Hire Act, dissolvedthe Manitoba Taxicab Board in March.

Thatput regulatory power in the hands of Manitoba municipalities for all vehicles for hire, such as limousines and taxis, including those hired by way of a digital networkor platform, like Lyft and Uber.

"We know, based on our experience in dealing with the mayor's office, that they're not our friends. They're not really working in our favour,"McFadyensaid on Wednesday.

"Today, we had to put our elbows up a little bit, and that's just what we do."

Representatives fromUberandLyft, both of whichare based in San Francisco, attended Wednesday's vote and intend to be back on Dec. 13. Both have said their services will launch March 1 the earliest date possibleif the bylaw is passed.

"We're very excited ... and we continue to look forward to working with the mayor and the council as we move forward next week," saidPrashanthiRaman,Lyft'scentral region public policy director.

"We are going to be here as soon as we absolutely can. Ideally, that would be as soon as the law is effective, but we do have to make sure our processes are in place to ensure that happens."

Ubercurrently operates in 16 Canadian cities whileLyftisn't in any,but is expected to be up and running in Toronto before the end of the year.

Winnipeg's rules show near uniformity with what other Canadian municipalities are doing.

When it comes to safety, other Canadian cities have determined the app-driven service works well, said UberCanada public policy manager Chris Schafer.

Location-sharing data from the ride-hailing app, the fact that payments are made ahead of time through the app, andthe ability for drivers and passengers to rate each other keepboth parties safe, he said.

It's a good day for choice in ground transportation for Winnipeggers- ChrisSchafer

Schaferapplauded EPC'sdecision to support the service.

"We're quite happy. It's a bylaw that embraces innovation and choice for consumers here in Winnipeg and it's based on experiences learned in bylaws across Canada," he said.

"It's a good day for choice in ground transportation for Winnipeggers."

While it seems like the bylaw is rolling towards approval,McFadyensaid there's still time for the wheels to come off.

"We're pleased that we were able to get our story out there and I think we heard from a number of members of the mayor's inner circlethat they are going to seriously look at it over the next week," he said.

"The bylaw is not a done deal."