Uber allowed to operate in Quebec for another year

Uberdrivers will be allowed to pick up passengers in Quebec for at least one more year.

The government has extended the pilot project allowing the ride-hailing company to operate in the province.

Minister of TransportAndrFortinsigned the ministerial order, which waspublished today just days before handing over the ministry to the Coalition AvenirQubec.

Fortin was responding to a request from the incoming government to extend the pilot project, which was set to expireon Sunday, Oct. 14.

The ministry said by continuingthe project for another12 months, it will be able to gather and analyze more data while measuring the company'simpact on the taxi industry.

Taxi owners 'disappointed'

Taxi associations in Quebec said thedecision goes againstthe commitment made by premier-designate FranoisLegaultwhile onthe campaign trail.

Abdallah Homsy, president of the Regroupement des intermdiaires de taxi de Qubec (RITQ), said Legault promised toconsult with the industry before making a move.

"He didn't lose any time doing the exact opposite," said Homsyin a statement.

The RITQ, as well as Taxis du Grand Montral et Rive-Sud (TGM), said the new government should overrule the Liberals' decision to exempt people who were already driving for Uber before the pilot project began from undergoing police background checks. (New Uber drivers are now required to undergo checks.)

The taxi groups arealso asking the incoming CAQgovernment to continue compensating the industry for its losses.

The Liberals allocated a $250 million to the industry in 2018, which works out toapproximately $30,000 per taxi licence.

Taxi Champlain ownerGeorge Boussiossays the government needs to make up its mind once and for allUber'splacein the province.

"Either legalize it or get rid of it," Boussiossaid on CBC Montreal'sHomerun.

"How much data do they need to collect?"

He said he's not surprised that the CAQwill continue to allow Uberdrivers to work herebut says that more needs to be done to ensure taxi drivers and Uber drivers are subjected to the same regulations.

"Just say they're here to stay, so we can resolve this," he said.

Boussios saysUber drivers should be required to pay the same insurance rates, vehicle inspection fees and be subjected to the same random checks as cab drivers.

Uber threatened to pull out of Quebec in 2017

This is the second time the pilot project has been extended.

As the deadline was approaching on Oct. 14, 2017, the company threatened tocease operations in Quebecbecause of the restrictions imposed by the government.

Uber backed downwhenFortinwas appointed transport minister, agreeing to the province's regulations.

Under the latestrules, Uber drivers are required to hold a Class 4C driver's licence, undergo a police background check and complete afree online training session.