Halifax Regional Council is back at the table today to decide if Uber and Lyft drivers should have to play by the same rules as local taxi drivers. While the city calls it “fairness and safety,” the ride-hailing giants are calling it “red tape.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The “Big 3” Changes on the Table
If passed, these rules would change how ride-hailing works in the city:
- City Oversight: Instead of Uber checking its own drivers’ criminal records and background checks, drivers would have to submit them directly to the municipality.
- New Costs: Drivers would be hit with a $135 licensing fee, plus a $100 renewal fee every two years.
- Mandatory Training: To get behind the wheel, drivers would need to pass the city’s official vehicle-for-hire training and an English language proficiency test.
The Friction Points
The debate has effectively split City Hall into two camps:
- The “Safety First” Camp: Supporters (including many taxi companies) argue that the city shouldn’t just “take Uber’s word for it” when it comes to driver safety. They want one standard for everyone on the road.
- The “Innovation” Camp: Mayor Andy Fillmore and Uber Canada argue these rules are clunky and outdated. They claim the extra paperwork will lead to fewer drivers, longer wait times, and higher prices for passengers.
Bottom Line: The city is trying to decide if it should treat Uber like a tech platform (hands-off) or a taxi company (hands-on).
What happens now?
Council is debating the “first reading” today. If they give it the green light, it moves to a public hearing where residents can have their say before it becomes law.
