The changes to Calgary's controversial ride-sharing bylaw will be presented to council on Monday, but Uber says it's seen what's in store and it is not happy.
The bylaw has been months in the making and the city says it's essential to have in place before companies like Uber are allowed to operate in Calgary.
Uber originally started business in the city last October until it was stopped by a temporary injunction the following month, so the details of the bylaw could be ironed out.
The proposed bylaw included a fee structure that would see drivers pay a $220 annual licence fee, a requirement to obtain a criminal record check with the Calgary Police, and have their vehicle inspected twice a year.
The company says that the requirements will hit their driver pool hard before they even have a chance to get on the road and start earning.
"A vast majority of driver partners that use Uber drive less than ten hours a week," said Ramit Kar, general manager of Uber Alberta. "That disincents you from becoming a driver in the first place."
As a result, Uber is asking councillors to vote against the proposed bylaw to give staff more time to rework the rules.
Instead, Uber wants similar rules to what Edmonton passed earlier this year.
In that agreement, Uber pays Edmonton $50,000 per year, plus six cents per trip.
