Uber looks promising for Metro Vancouver and many converts to the ride-hailing technology praise its efficiency and service. But at the heart of the issue is the deregulation of people-moving transportation, making anyone with a car a potential driver.
The cities want services such as Uber and Lyft with rules. Edmonton is trying to go that route, although it remains to be seen if Uber can survive if regulated as tightly as cabs.
Taxi companies now have a lock on providing such services and may need to ramp up to be more competitive. They are not the only sector being disrupted by technology (another example: newspapers).
Would making transit more appealing and practical be a better way for cities to go rather than trying to attract Uber, which takes a cut but little responsibility for the service?
There is much to consider in this debate and local city councils must resist the pressure of corporate lobbyists on both sides of the debate.
