UberX crackdown in Calgary begins

Calgary officialsannounced how it plans to deal with UberX, an app that allows users to hail a ride at rates deeply discounted from traditional taxi faresbut it was light on specifics.

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"It's about public safety, I cannot emphasize that enough," said the city's compliance manager MarcHalatin a news conference Friday.

Halat would not give any specific details onenforcement, whichstarted today, but says it is being conducted covertly or in anundercover manner.

He says "numerous tickets" have been issued to drivers "as we speak,"but he would notsay how manya response that didn't sit well with some reporters.

Calgary official grilled over UberX tickets

9 years ago

Duration 0:57

Marc Halat says numerous tickets have been issued to drivers but won't say how many, a response that didn't sit well with some reporters.

Uber launchedin Calgary Oct. 15 with about 500 "driving partners" after establishing operations in numerous Canadian cities.

Uber Canada says they have the support of the community.

"A recent poll indicated 85 per centof Calgarians support having the opportunity to experience Uber while regulations are being considered," spokepersonJean-Christophe de Le Rue said in a statement.

"We remain committed to working with city council and staff to establish a permanent regulatory framework."

'We can't compromise public safety'

Calgary has said drivers are technically violating three sections of itslivery transport bylaw with a minimum fine of $1,500 per violation.

Mayor Naheed Nenshihas saidhe's not opposed to changing the city's rules to allow for UberX buthe advised againstusing the service either as a driveror passenger in the meantime.

Questions remain about the validity of UberX auto insurance and regulatory issues, the mayor has said in the past.

"Uber continues to work with us, that said they are operating unlawfully," Halat said.

He said the city will have specific options for council at a meeting on Nov. 16.

"We welcome new market entrants ... but we can't compromise public safety in doing it."