Ottawa taxi companies, union issue list of demands on eve of Uber debate

Ottawa's licensedtaxi industryand the union representing drivers have issued a list of nine "key motions" they're asking city councillorsto consider before they pave the way for app-based ride hailing services like Uberto enter the market.

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Coventry Connections, West-Way Taxi and Unifor Local 1688 issued the list of requests on the eve of a special meeting of the city's community and protective services committee where councillorswill discuss a staff report that recommends legalizing companies like Uber, while looseningvarious restrictions on the traditional taxi industry.

"This was a simple list produced by our drivers and management," Coventry Connections president and CEO Hanif Patni wrote in an email. "We recognize both services need to co-exist but there are some very serious concerns we have related to safety and consumer protection."

In order of priority, the industry is asking for thefollowing:

1. That drivers for Uber and other companies be required to submit driver abstracts, police records and proof of adequate insurance directly to the city, and be charged an annual licence renewal fee on par with the cost of a traditional taxi licence.
2. Thatsecurity cameras be mademandatoryin all vehicles, that they meet the same standards as cameras in traditional taxisand that only police have access to the images they capture.
3. That all drivers be required to take a taxi driving training course at Algonquin College, and that only drivers who complete the course can get licences from the city.
4. That all drivers must have $5 million in commercial insurance with "proper endorsement," and that Uber and other companiesprovide proof of that insuranceto the city.
5. That any new taxi company have afleet of at least 25 vehicles, and that only three new companies be allowed to operate in the city.
6. That Ubermust cease operations in Ottawa immediately "until new Ontario provincial legislation for greater enforcement powers to Ontario cities is introduced and authorized into law."
7. That cars driven for Uber and other companiesbe no older than five years when they enter service and no more than eight years old when they're in service, just like traditional taxis. Regulations regarding minimum trunk size and other requirements would also apply to all vehicles.
8. That drivers for Uber and other companies register to pay HST, and provide proof of HST registration to the city.
9. That the city not the company conduct vehicle inspections.

The special meeting takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 7. As of Wednesday afternoon there were about 40 public delegations on the list to speak at the meeting, with more expected to sign up.