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Long wait-times for taxis driving city to revisit Uber

Staff will investigate feasibility of removing vulnerable sector screening for taxis and ride-sharing services; Mayor says he has heard from 'inordinate number of people'
2018-05-16 transporation mtg lehman.jpg
Derick Lehman, an Uber proponent, spoke in favour of the service and addressed some concerns raised by Jennifer Denault, right, the owner of Orillia Taxi Service, during a public meeting in 2018 about ride-sharing services. Dave Dawson/OrilliaMatters

Excruciatingly long wait times for local taxis is creating safety concerns and could drive city council to re-think its controversial stance on drive-sharing services such as Uber.

Last year, after much debate and a public meeting, the city opened the door to allowing such services to operate in Orillia - with a critical caveat that called for potential Uber drivers, like Orillia’s taxi drivers, to undergo a vulnerable sector check before obtaining a licence to operate.

Essentially, Uber said no to that request and has blacked out service on its app to Orillia and area people.

It was a decision that upset many in the community who complained about long wait times for taxis, expressed safety concerns about local taxis and argued competition was needed.

Since that decision was made, Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke said he has heard “from an inordinate number of people” about this issue.

Clarke, like the majority of his council colleagues, said he originally lobbied for and supported the vulnerable sector check due to safety concerns of potential customers.

However, “in the last year or so, there has been an increase in trouble of people” getting a taxi - especially during peak times at nights and weekends.

The mayor, who owns a downtown restaurant/bar, said he has heard “from scores” of people in the hospitality sector who are frustrated by the issue.

He said a lack of available taxis is forcing people to walk home in the middle of the night or might lead to someone driving while intoxicated.

“I spoke very strongly about requiring a vulnerable sector check,” said Clarke of the previous debate.

He said he was and remains concerned about the safety of seniors and vulnerable people. However, he recieved support from his colleagues to re-visit the issue.

On Monday night, he proposed an inquiry motion - that was supported by councillors - to have staff investigate the feasibility of removing the vulnerable sector screening requirement for both taxi drivers and transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft.

“If I had not heard from so many people I would not be bringing it forward,” said Clarke, noting Orillia is one of just two municipalities in Ontario that requires Uber drivers to be subject to vulnerable sector screening.

Coun. Ted Emond successfully lobbied to include an additional request for staff to “provide options and opportunities for late night transportation” as part of its report to council.

“I am of the belief too many people in our community are putting the onus on the fact that we’ve got this problem because Uber has made the decision not to serve our community because of the vulnerable sector check,” said Emond in explaining his reasoning for the additional request.

“Personally, I’m not willing to trade off inconvenience for protection for vulnerable people,” said the Ward 1 councillor. “I don’t think they have the same weight.”

However, he acknowledged long wait times for taxis is “a potential safety issue … (that) we do need to be concerned about.”

He also said “there are innovative solutions emerging” and that Lyft and others should be canvassed.

“It would be useful to ensure we’re not dealing with the symptom of the problem,” said Emond. “The vulnerable sector check is laid out as the symptom and may not be the issue.”

Staff will report back to council at a date to be determined to lay out recommendations and suggestions.


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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