A city committee reviewed some changes to the bylaw that governs ride-sharing companies like Uber on Thursday and says research shows Calgarians want more options.
The proposed change to the bylaw would see a new fee and licensing structure, something that the city says would help ride-sharing companies run more effectively and efficiently.
The Livery Transport Bylaw, which was amended this past February to include rules for ride-sharing companies, currently says companies must pay more than $1,700 a year for licence fees, plus $220 per driver.
The proposed amendment would see companies pay an administration fee between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the number of drivers they employ. It would also add a $15 licence fee and a 20 cent per-trip fee.
Other amendments would allow drivers to apply for city licences online, something staff says would speed up the process and increase flexibility for companies.
Taxi drivers who attended the meeting in northeast Calgary say the whole process of amending the bylaw is a waste of time.
"Today, we are here to make it more palatable for the transportation network companies (TNC). It didn't work in the first place because only 60 or 70 people joined. So, essentially, we are trying to sell a thing which didn't sell in the first place," said Imran Shah with Associated Cabs.
Some drivers are upset that they weren't consulted and say the city seems to be focused on pleasing one particular operator.
"They want to cater to one brand of TNC," Shah says. "They were saying that this bylaw would serve as a template for the rest of the Canadian cities and it didn't work. Now, they are doing it again and I think it's a waste of time."
Shah says that the city should just revoke the bylaw.
More than 200 people showed up for an open house on the issue on Thursday and some, who work for taxi and limo companies, are worried their businesses will be impacted.
Uber is registered in Calgary but officials say it's not profitable to operate under the current bylaw.
"Our hope is to be in Calgary as soon as possible. So hopefully we'll be able to do that as soon as possible after council makes any changes and if they make any changes," said Michael Van Hemmen, from Uber.
The proposal will go to council on November 7 and if they vote in favour, the city says companies like Uber could be operating in the city by Christmas.
